Person missing off Muriwai Beach, one rescued

A man is missing after he got into difficulty in the water tonight at Muriwai beach on Auckland's west coast.

Another man who was with him has been rescued by lifeguards.

Ambulance and police were called to the scene, off the Rimmer Rd end of the beach, near Helensville, about 6.20pm.

Lifeguards and police were searching for the missing man on the water and the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was searching from the air.

Police and surf lifesavers were on the beach following reports of a missing swimmer. Photo / Nick Reed

The search has now been stood down for the night due to fading light however will resume in the morning.

Meanwhile, also on Muriwai beach, a man was seriously injured in a crash on a dirt bike.

He's been flown to hospital aboard the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Police say another bike may have been involved in the crash, but they are investigating to establish that.

In the meantime police have taken the bikes and some witnesses to the Kumeu police station.