A man out in the Waikareao Estuary is drawing the attention of passing motorists and police.

A SunLive reader has phoned in to 0800SUNLIVE reporting the presence of Police on Takitimu Drive near Elizabeth Street.

“We were heading from the Mount to Elizabeth Street and on the opposite side where the estuary is, there are three Police cars parked.

“There is a Police ute with dog squad, an unmarked Police car and a marked Police car.

“The cop cars had their lights on and flashing. The Police were out of their cars standing alongside the road looking out towards the estuary.

“A person in dark clothing was about 300-400 metres out in the estuary.”

Police confirmed that a man who escaped the dock at Tauranga District Court subsequently entered the water at Tauranga Domain.

"Police staff responded, and the man made his way back to shore of his own accord about half an hour later and was arrested by police," says a police spokesperson.

"The 40-year-old is due to reappear in Tauranga District Court on his active charges (family-harm related) on December 20.

"Any decisions on possible further charge/s have not yet been made."

At the scene?

Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz