A major search effort is underway after a man went missing in Manning River in Taree during a police chase.
Police said the man was a back-seat passenger in a red sedan that was stopped on Commerce Street in Taree about 3am Saturday.
Officers spoke with the three occupants in the car before the man allegedly ran from the vehicle and into the Manning River.
The man, who police are still seeking to identify, was seen experiencing difficulties in the water after police followed him.
When police tried to enter the water to assist, they lost sight of the man.
The State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and police were searching for the man on land and in the river.
SES Commander William Dobb told visibility in the river was down to just 20 centimetres due to flood waters.
“There is also a high presence of bull sharks at the moment because of the flood water,” he said.
A critical incident investigation, to examine the circumstances surrounding the man’s disappearance, has been launched by police and will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
