Woman’s body found at sea after alleged flight from police into river

The body of a woman missing since she was seen heading into a Bay of Plenty river during a police incident on Sunday has been recovered.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said police were called to Moutohorā Island (Whale Island), north of Whakatāne, about 1.15pm after a member of the public found a body in the water.

He said the body was recovered and identified as the 36-year-old woman missing since she was seen entering the mouth of the Ōtara River and Waioweka rivers in Ōpōtiki on Sunday.

Police have previously said they tried to stop a vehicle on Snell Rd, near Ōpōtiki, after 4am on Sunday.

The occupants, a man and a woman allegedly fled on foot into the river.

Specialist teams have been searching the river and surrounding area.

Gillbanks said the woman’s death would be referred to the coroner.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified, “as is standard practice”.

“Police would like to thank our partner agencies, searchers, and the community for their efforts to return her to whānau.

“Our thoughts are with her whānau at this time,” Gillbanks said.

Earlier today, he said a 33-year-old man had been arrested in Gisborne.

The man had been charged with driving dangerously and failing to stop for police.

The Gisborne Herald reported Ashley William Forbes, 33, appeared in Gisborne District Court today.

He also faced several charges related to other alleged offending.

Forbes was remanded in custody until tomorrow afternoon for his next appearance.