Search for teen who jumped into Ross River in Townsville

A massive police operation is under way after a teen jumped into a popular Queensland river in the early hours of the morning.

A desperate search operation is under way in Queensland’s north after a missing teen reportedly jumped into a river after trying to escape police.

The 18-year-old man allegedly ran into the Ross River in Townsville in an effort to flee police, who were monitoring a stolen vehicle he had allegedly been driving.

Police said the teenager was with a 22-year-old man when he entered the river around 3.30am on Thursday.

“Family and friends have not had contact from the teenager since this time,” a police spokesperson said.

A police dive squad search for the missing teen in one of Townsville’s major waterways. Picture: Supplied

The teenager was reported missing after the older man told the 18-year-old’s family about the incident.

Rescue helicopters and drones are patrolling the sky as the police dive squad searches the 49km river.

The extensive police search involves land, air and river emergency services. Picture: Supplied

The command post for the search at Ross River. Picture: Supplied

The Riverway Stadium has been set up as a command station by police as the search intensifies.

Authorities have urged anyone with any information to come forward.

Investigations continue in the Townsville suburb of Thuringow and surrounding areas.

Originally published as Search for teen who jumped into Ross River in Townsville