Two youths attempted to escape police by swimming across the Whakatāne River on Monday.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said at around 1.10pm, police responded to a report of three youths allegedly attempting to steal a car near the intersection of Lord Cobham Avenue and Arawa Road in Whakatāne.

“The youths fled on foot along the riverbank. One was apprehended by an officer, however, the other two ran into the river. They made their way to the other side of the river, where they came out of the water and were apprehended by an officer.”

Inspector Gillbanks said the two youths were hypothermic and were transported to hospital by ambulance.

A 14-year-old is scheduled to appear in Whakatāne Youth Court on May 15, charged with wilful damage and burglary.