A ruse to get a free tow has backfired for the driver of a van stuck in wet sand on a popular Auckland beach.
Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Jaron Phillips said those in the van reported the vehicle had rolled driving along Narrow Neck Beach in Devonport just before 5am and needed help.
But when firefighters, police and ambulance officers arrived they found the vehicle had not had an accident but had sunk in wet sand on an incoming high tide.
Said Phillips:"They told emergency services that the van had rolled. They made the story up to get towed."
A tow truck was called to get the vehicle off the beach.
High tide at Narrow Neck Beach is at 7.28am.
