Fears over welfare of fleeing driver

The incident happened just after midnight on Saturday morning. File photo.

Police are appealing for information about a driver who jumped into a river in an attempt to evade police in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Waikato Western police area manager Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson says the incident happened 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, police helicopter Eagle and another boat conducted a further search however enquiries so far have not been able to establish who the man is or if he was able to get safely out of the river.”

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntly Police on 07 8287560.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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