Man fleeing police believed to have drowned

A man is believed to have drowned in the Waikato River after fleeing police on Saturday night.

Yesterday police divers scoured a section of the river looking for Fahad Brahmim Alsalmah, 25, a Saudi national.

Mr Alsalmah was last seen shortly before midnight on Saturday when police, responding to a break in call, chased his car a short distance from Lochiel Golf Course to the Narrows Bridge, about 8km southeast of Hamilton.

He stopped his car near the bridge, ran in the direction of the river, and has not been seen since.

Detective Sergeant Neville Ross, of Hamilton CIB, said Mr Alsalmah's cellphone and bank account had not been used since Saturday.

"Other inquiries at his home address and with associates have drawn a blank as well," Mr Ross said.

Police were now investigating the possibility he had drowned in the river.

Mr Alsalmah was described as being of Middle Eastern complexion, of thin build and about 185cm tall.

Anyone with information about Mr Alsalmah was asked to contact Hamilton police on 07 858 6200.

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