Manhunt under way for three inmates held on murder, kidnap and torture charges who ESCAPED California jail by 'cutting through steel bars and rappelling down the side'

Southern California authorities launched a frantic manhunt Saturday after three inmates charged with violent crimes, including torture and murder, escaped an Orange County jail.

The inmates were last seen at 5am Friday at the Orange County Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana, about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. 

They could have escaped anytime between then and late Friday night, Lt. Jeff Hallock, a spokesman with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said Saturday.

'This was clearly a well thought out and planned escape' that may have been in the works for weeks or months, the lieutenant told reporters Saturday afternoon, reported KTLA.

Officials said the inmates cut through 1/2-inch steel bars and plumbing tunnels to gain access to an unsecured roof. 

All three men then used sheets to rappel down to the ground and fled on foot. 

He said it's the first escape from the facility in at least the past 20 years and could be the first-ever breakout from the jail.

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Wanted: Southern California authorities launched a frantic manhunt Saturday after inmates (left to right) Jonathan Thieu, Hossein Nayeri and Bac Duong escaped from jail 

Lt. Jeff Hallock said the Orange County Sheriff's Department is doing everything it can to find the men

Orange County sheriff's deputies and a search dog investigate early Saturday morning after the inmates' escaped

Lt. Jeff Hallock said at a news conference 'We're exhausting all investigative resources and measures to bring these three inmates back into custody'

The inmates include 20-year-old Jonathan Tieu, who had been held on a $1million bond since October 2013 on charges of murder, attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. His case is believed to be gang-related.

Hossein Nayeri, 37, had been held without bond since September 2014 on charges of kidnapping, torture, aggravated mayhem and burglary. 

Nayeri and three other men are accused of kidnapping a California marijuana dispensary owner in 2012. 

They drove the dispensary owner to a desert spot where they believed he had hidden money and then cut off his penis, authorities said.

After the crime, Nayeri fled the U.S. to his native Iran, where he remained for several months. He was arrested in Prague in November 2014 while changing flights from Iran to Spain to visit family.

The inmates were last seen at 5am Friday at the Orange County Central Men's Jail (pictured) in Santa Ana, about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles

They could have escaped anytime between Friday morning and late Friday night, Lt. Jeff Hallock said

The third escaped inmate, 43-year-old Bac Duong, was being held without bond since last month on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and other charges.

Hallock said the sheriff's department is doing everything it can to find the men.

'Obviously the safety of the community is No. 1,' Hallock said at a news conference. 

'We're exhausting all investigative resources and measures to bring these three inmates back into custody.'

A $20,000 reward was being offered by the FBI for information leading to the arrest of any and all escapees. 

Have you seen these men? The Orange County Sheriff's Department has released this bulletin asking the public for help in locating the escaped inmates