A 43 year old man has been arrested after a stolen vehicle was tracked across Kaiapoi and Belfast, ending with the man being found in a stream.

Police said the vehicle was first identified travelling in the Kaiapoi area on Tuesday morning before later being sighted in Belfast.

Inspector Craig Scott said, “Upon Police arrival in the area, the driver is believed to have become aware of the Police presence and left the area, colliding with a member of the public’s vehicle as they drove away.”

“No injuries were reported as a result of this collision.”

The vehicle was later found abandoned on Dickies Road.

Scott said, “Further enquiries led Police to locate the man in the middle of Otukaikino Stream.”

“Attending officers engaged with the man, who was refusing to come out of the water, with the assistance of the Police Negotiation Team.”

“After a period of negotiation, the man was taken into custody without further incident.”

Due to his time in the cold water, the man was assessed by ambulance staff before being transported from the scene.

Scott said the man had been arrested on a warrant to arrest and for unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 1 April.

Police thanked members of the public for their cooperation and patience while the incident was resolved.