Concerns for man who jumped into river to escape police

Waikato Police said the pursuit was abandoned near the Tainui Bridge in Huntly, where the driver jumped into the river. Photo / Google

A man who jumped into a river to escape police on Saturday has not been seen since.

Waikato Western Police area manager for investigations Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said just after midnight, a Mazda 323 fled from Police between Horotiu and Huntly before the pursuit was abandoned near the Tainui Bridge in Huntly, where the driver jumped into the river.

The driver was seen swimming north in the river before disappearing from view.

Police spoke to the other occupants of the vehicle and deployed two boats which conducted extensive searches, however the driver was not found.

On Saturday, the police helicopter and another boat conducted a further search however inquiries so far had not been able to establish who the man was or if he was able to get safely out of the river.

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Police would like to hear from anyone who can assist in providing information about the man and whether he is safe.

Contact Huntly Police on 07 8287560 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information.