UPDATE 7.30pm: A MAN who went missing after crashing a motorbike near Lake Eppalock on Thursday night has been found.
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Sergeant Shane Pilgrim from Bendigo police said the 32-year-old was found by a member of the public, who notified police about 5pm Friday.
He said he understood the man had no serious injuries.
EARLIER: POLICE are continuing to search for a Bendigo man who has been missing for 18 hours after he was believed to have crashed a stolen motorbike near Lake Eppalock last night.
Officers from Axedale police attempted to intercept the motorist on the McIvor Highway between Axedale and Heathcote at 8pm, but he drove away.
Police did not engage in a pursuit, but later found the motorbike in the middle of Moorabbee Foreshore Road and started to search for the rider.
Senior Constable Lawrence Mueck, of Axedale police, said it appeared the rider had crashed.
“We was only in a t-shirt and shorts, he could have been injured,” he said.
Police called in the dog squad to help in the search for the man, who they believe is a 32-year-old Bendigo man.
A nearby resident told police they saw a man enter the waters at Lake Eppalock. A dog then found the man’s backpack on the edge of the water.
His helmet was also found nearby.
Senior Constable Mueck said police spotted the man at 1.30am, but he fled for a second time.
“This allayed some of our fears about his injuries,” he said.
“We do suspect he was drug-affected.
“He hasn’t been heard from by friends and family.”
The search was abandoned in the early hours of Friday morning. Police will continue the search this afternoon.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.