River search for man who fled from police

Police say the man was last seen "in difficulties".

The drama unfolded when police stopped a sedan on Commerce Street in Taree about 3am on Saturday.

As officers spoke with the three occupants, the man, who was a back-seat passenger in the vehicle, fled on foot.

A search was launched involving local police, SES volunteers and Marine Rescue NSW. It was later joined by the police Marine Area Command.

The investigation into the circumstances of the disappearance will be overseen by the force's Professional Standards Command.