Friends and family of a man who swam away from police during a chase have gathered near the Port Ohope wharf waiting for news of their missing loved one

Holidaymakers have been urged to keep away from the water and a rahui has been put in place while police and the dive squad continue their search.

Police Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Nicky Cooney says they responded to a family harm-related incident at Ohope Beach about 6 yesterday evening.

The alleged offender - a 48-year-old Whakatane man - ran away and jumped into the harbour.

Officer were unable to convince him to come ashore, but instead he began swimming away against the outgoing tide.