Police trying to identify man who jumped into river

Members of the police dive squad have been called in to help search for a man who was seen jumping from Hamilton's Claudelands Bridge this afternoon. File photo / Alan Gibson

Hamilton police are appealing for help in identifying a limping man who leapt from a bridge into the Waikato River today.

Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Singer said a number of people contacted police about a man seen jumping from the Claudelands Bridge into the river about 2.20pm.

"Witnesses saw a male Maori, aged in his early twenties of medium build with short dark hair wearing dark grey jeans and hooded sweatshirt with dark blue boxer shorts, heading east from the city on to the bridge and climb up on to the rail," Mr Singer said.

"He has sat on the rail for a short period before coming back down, pulled his pants up and then climbed back on the bridge and jumped off."

The man landed a short distance from a surprised jetskier who began searching for him.

"Other witnesses raised the alarm and the man was seen surfacing about 50m away for about 15 seconds and was heard calling for help before going under again," Mr Singer said.

"He hasn't resurfaced since and the police rescue boat was launched to commence a search for him."

The Wellington-based Police National Dive Squad had been activated and it was hoped they would arrive in Hamilton early this evening to help with the search.

Mr Singer hoped the man would be readily identifiable to friends or relatives by a physical impediment.

"Witnesses describe the man as having a noticeably lame left leg and that he was walking with a pronounced limp.

"We're hoping that, combined with his description, may prompt people who know him to make contact with us."

Anyone with any information should contact Hamilton police.

- NZPA