A body, believed to be a man who jumped into the sea while fleeing police on Christmas Day, has been found in the water near Ōhope Beach.
Police responded to a “family harm-related incident” at Ōhope Beach, east of Whakatāne, at around 6pm Wednesday.
When officers arrived at the scene, a 48-year-old Whakatāne man ran away and jumped into the harbour.
The man swam away after police tried to get him out of the water. He was not found, and a search operation was launched soon after.
Today, police said a body was discovered near the mouth of the harbour east of Ōhope Beach overnight.
“Formal identification procedures are ongoing, however it is thought likely to be the man who fled Police on Christmas Day,” Inspector Nicky Cooney said.
“Police would like to thank our partner agencies, searchers, and the community for their support during this time.”
The death will be referred to the Coroner.