Authorities have grave concerns for a man who went into a river to escape from police in central Queensland.
Police say the 36-year-old fled from officers just before 6pm on Thursday, after they went to search a Rockhampton address.
During the chase the man went into the Fitzroy River, a known crocodile habitat, and has not been seen since search operations resumed on Friday.
Officers witnessed the man enter the river and tread water, before showing signs of distress and allegedly calling for help, Inspector Mark Burgess said.
"There were a number of attempts verbally to negotiate with the missing person to return to the bank for his own safety but unfortunately events sort of transpired against that," he told reporters.
"It certainly was apparent that that he was treading water for a period of time and then my understanding is that he has yelled out 'help' or words of that similar nature and then has gone under the water."
Insp Burgess said a crocodile was witnessed by authorities within the search area, while bull sharks are known to frequent the waters.
Police have hopes in finding the man and will continue searching until they are absolutely certain that it is futile.
The search has involved police divers, sonar operations, the local coast guard, the central Queensland rescue helicopter and SES crews.
