The Prime Minister has unreservedly apologised to the family of the victims of Phillip Smith.

The convicted murderer and child abuser has skipped the country for Brazil.

Barry Soper reports.

"John Key said from Beijing his comment was a very poorly placed sense of humour.

"Mr Key said the circumstances surrounding Mr Smith's escape are being looked as and he's considering a ministerial enquiry to find out how he got away.

"The remark that caused offence was a joke about how he would tell the Chilean president she may not want to invite Smith around for lunch."