Police are searching for two males who jumped into a river near Ōpōtiki early this morning after the car they were in failed to stop for officers.
The driver ran a red light in the Wainui area at around 3.45am and failed to stop when signalled by police.
Road spikes were then deployed to stop the vehicle.
Duty Inspector Phil Edwards said car came to a halt after spikes were deployed.
"Road spikes were successfully deployed about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am, before the vehicle came to a stop down Snell Road, by the Otara River," he said.
"The two occupants have then got out of the vehicle and jumped into the water."
A search and rescue operation was launched, with the Harbourmaster, Coastguard Ōpōtiki and a rescue helicopter brought in to assist police. Police search and rescue staff continued the search this morning, but the pair have not been located.
Edwards appealed for help, urging the pair or those with any information to come forward.
"If you are one of these males, you know who they are, or you have any other information which may help us locate them, please get in touch. We’re also after information about any suspicious behaviour in the area," he said.
"Our priority at this time is ensuring the males are safe."
Urgent information can be given on 111, referencing job number P067829874.
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