Driver flees with pants around ankles

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have made an arrest after a man's attempt to steal a car from a Timaru surf beach ended with an eight-metre tumble down a cliff - and an awkward getaway with his pants around his ankles.

The man allegedly took a surfer's car from the Patiti Point car park last week, the Timaru Herald reported.

The car veered as it took off before rolling down the eight-metre cliff onto the beach, witnesses said.

The man then fled with his "pants around his ankles", while two men on quad bikes gave chase until they lost sight of him.

Police have since arrested a 26-year-old Geraldine man, who has been charged with dangerous driving and theft of a car.

It was the third time a car has gone over the Patiti Point cliff in a year.

- NZPA