Police are appealing to the public for information that may help locate two men who failed to stop for officers this morning before jumping into a river in Ōpōtiki.
Duty Inspector Phil Edwards said around 3:45am, the driver of a vehicle ran a red light in Wainui and failed to stop for Police who signalled him to do so.
Police deployed road spikes about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am, before the vehicle came to a stop on Snell Road, by the Ōtara River.
"The two occupants have then got out of the vehicle and jumped into the water," Edwards said.
"A search and rescue operation was launched, with assistance from the Harbourmaster, Coastguard Ōpōtiki, and a rescue helicopter, but the two males have not been located."
Police Search and Rescue staff are continuing an extensive search today, with helicopters and ground crews searching the river and surrounding farmland.
Police are appealing directly to the two men, as well as anyone who knows them or may have picked them up, to get in touch.
“If you’re safe, please let us know. Your safety is our priority,” Police said.
Police are also interested in any reports of suspicious behaviour in the area.
Urgent information can be reported via 111, referencing job number P067829874.
Other information that may help locate the men can be reported via 105, referencing the same job number.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police said their priority remains ensuring the two men are safe.
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