Emergency services have found a car submerged in Christchurch’s Avon River with fears people could be inside.

Fire and Emergency NZ was “working to determine whether there is anybody inside”, a spokeswoman told the Herald.

The car was submerged in the river near Pages Rd in New Brighton, she said.

A member of the public phoned in about the car at 7.10pm.

There were two fire trucks on the scene just ahead of 8pm, along with the specialist swift water rescue team, the spokeswoman said.

A witness told the Herald shortly after 8pm that boats were about to go into the water.

Hato Hone St John said crews were initially called out to the scene but were stood down by police before arrival.