Police still looking for car thief

File photo / Herald on Sunday

A car thief who crashed a car into the Whanganui River on Monday night is still on the run.

The man was lucky to survive after speeding through an intersection, plunging down a large bank and ending with the car upside down in the river, police said.

The only description police had was that the man was in his early 20s, wearing a white singlet and black and white shorts, Sergeant Tim Walker told NZPA.

The car was stolen from a house a short distance from the crash site.

Police had spoken with its owners who had no idea who might have stolen it.

The car plummeted down a 10m to 15m bank. It was found by emergency services almost submerged and on its roof.

Witnesses told police a person who was soaking wet was seen fleeing.

Inquiries were continuing and more information was needed from the public, Mr Walker said.

- NZPA