The scent of convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat, who escaped from a prison in new York six days ago, were picked up by bloodhounds three miles from the maximum security prison, CNN reported.

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Authorities are hoping that before the week ends, the two would have already been captured.

The manhunt is considered by officials to be the longest prison break in New York history. It is also the first break experienced by Clinton Correctional Facility.

The search for the inmates currently involves at least 500 law enforcement officers and K9 and aviation units, according to New York State Police. They are focusing on Adirondack Park's northern area as well as neighboring Vermont,  Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico of New York told Reuters.

Matt and Sweat may still not be found on the sixth day of the search, but there is progress. The manhunt is thinning, and authorities have reportedly found a sandwich shop near the area of the escape where the inmates stopped.

The investigators have also seen surveillance video from a gas station located a mile from the prison.

As dogs tried to pick up the scent of the New York prison escapees, investigators were led to the gas station east of Cadyville Town. The sandwich shop was located in the gas station, and officers said Matt and Sweat could have rummaged through garbage for food.

The canines worked around the site of the scent until Thursday night.

Apart from the scent, investigators also reportedly found shoe imprints, food wrappers, bedding, and indent on grass and leaves.

While the search is ongoing, policed also questioned a prison staff named Joyce Mitchell who was present during the prison break. Matt and Mitchell have been in a relationship for several months, NBC News reported. Mitchell said she agreed to be the inmates' getaway driver, but she backed out after experiencing nerves. Mitchell's son, Tobey, said his mom had "severe chest pains."

Sweat shot, ran over, and killed Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Tarsia of Broome County. He had been serving a life sentence without parole.

Matt, on the other hand, tortured and killed a businessman after holding him hostage for almost two days. The man refused to give Matt more money.

Matt and Sweat broke out of prison after using power tools to cut through their cells and onto a steam pipe. They got out through a manhole outside Dannemora's Clinton Correctional Facility.

Before Matt and Sweat's escape on Saturday, the longest prison break in New York only lasted for three days, according to New York Department of Corrections data. Most escaped inmates in the state are found within a day, according to CNN.

Tagsnew york prison break, new York inmates escape, two murderers escape new York prison, Richard matt, David Sweat, Dannemora, Clinton Correctional Facility, New York Clinton Correctional Facility