A man is missing after jumping into a river while fleeing police in Northland last night.
Whangarei police tried to stop a blue Subaru WRX Impreza Saloon travelling at 100kmh in a 50kmh zone on Western Hills Drive near Central Ave about 6.40pm.
The vehicle stopped, two passengers got out and the car took off.
It travelled along SH14 and turned on to a number of rural roads. The vehicle was spiked twice and eventually came to a stop in a rest area on Mangakahia Rd.
The male driver fled on foot and it is believed he jumped into the Mangakahia River at about 7.30pm. The 71km pursuit lasted about 50 minutes.
Northland road policing manager Inspector Wayne Ewers said search and rescue were carrying out a sweep of the riverbank and police were searching surrounding areas.
The identity of the driver is unknown.
"We are now asking the male and female passengers of the vehicle to come forward to assist police to identify the driver.
"We have serious concerns for his safety, given the conditions of the river last night," Insp Ewers said.
Police are asking anyone who may have been in the Central Ave and Western Hills Drive area between 6.30 and 7.30pm to contact them.
Call Whangarei police on 09 430 4500 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
