Police beat: Hunt for bridge jumper

Hamilton Police want information regarding an incident almost two weeks ago in which a man jumped from the Whitiora Bridge in Hamilton.

Police have searched the river and found nothing, nor has anyone reported a person fitting the description as missing.

About 3am on Saturday, September 15, a man was walking toward town from the east side of the river on the footpath of Whitiora Bridge (Boundary Rd) in Hamilton.

On the bridge, he heard a voice talking loudly behind him. He turned to see a man walking and talking to himself and pulling at his hair.

The walker then heard a loud splash and saw the man in the middle of the river. He was yelling in a manner described more like 'a warrior' than a call for help.

The man was seen dog paddling before disappearing from view downstream under the bridge. There were no further sightings.

The man who jumped was described as Maori or Pacific Islander aged about mid-30s, 178cm tall and skinny build with straight black, shoulder length hair. He appeared to have a goatee-type beard, thin facial features and was wearing a red baggy T-shirt with long blue/black pants.

Detective Karl Little is hoping the excellent description will resonate with someone in the community.

"We appeal to anyone who may have jumped off the bridge at that time, or anyone who may have a loved one missing, or may have witnessed the incident, to come forward. It is possible the man exited the river and told a friend or family member of his experience.

"Either way we want to resolve the incident," he said.

Anyone with information can phone Detective Little at Hamilton Central Police Station on 858 6315.