Semi-naked fugitive on the run

Police are hunting a wanted man who shed his clothing as he led officers on a four-hour foot chase across the rural South Taranaki countryside yesterday.

The 28-year-old, of no fixed abode, was living at Manaia after being bailed from Rotorua District Court, where he is facing charges of receiving stolen property, stealing a car, disorderly behaviour and assault.

Constable Mary Parete told the Taranaki Daily News she was speaking to the man about 1.45pm on Tuesday about breaching his bail conditions by not being at the address at night.

"He just ran off," Mrs Parete said. "He ran right through Manaia."

The man then headed through the local sports complex and headed across paddocks and through fields of maize.

Mrs Parete said as the man ran through the fields, he was taking off his clothes, which police collected.

"I guess it was hot and he's not a natural athlete."

Four police officers and dog handlers pursued him but the dogs lost the man's scent at the Kapuni River and the chase was abandoned about 5.30pm.

Police said today he was not found overnight and they would like to hear from anyone with information about where the man might be.

When last seen he was wearing only jeans.

- NZPA