A stolen car was driven into the Avon River in Avonside this morning, but the driver still managed to evade police.

A police spokesman said they were called just after 7am, after the car was seen dumped in the water at the end of Ngarimu Street.

A resident said they heard burnouts moments before the incident and believed several other vehicles were involved.

The occupant managed to get out of the vehicle, that was stolen, but left the scene the police spokesman said.

Enquires were ongoing.