An Audi A3 found submerged in the River Wensum had been reported as stolen just 10 minutes earlier.

The blue vehicle was discovered with only its roof showing above the water at around 12.30am yesterday, near Hellesdon Road, Costeseey.

Just ten minutes earlier, the car had been reported as stolen from an address less than a mile away in Cadge Road.

A police spokesman said no-on was inside the vehicle when officers attended the scene between Dereham Road and Marl Pit Lane.

Norfolk Fire Service's Underwater Search and Recovery Diving Unit assisted with the vehicle's recovery.

The car was brought out of the water at around 4pm yesterday and police said the Environment Agency had been notified.

One woman, who lives opposite the scene, said the car must have gone into the water overnight.

Speaking anonymously, she said: 'It was not there when we went to bed, but was there when we woke up. We just hoped there was no-one inside.'

An investigation has now been launched and police are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: 'It was reported as stolen at 12.20am on Tuesday, 14 February.

'Ten minutes later officers got a further call reporting a car in the River Wensum.

'On further investigation it was confirmed the car in the river was the stolen vehicle.

'There was no-one in the vehicle.'

Meanwhile, a post on the Norwich Police Twitter account said: 'Spot the [car] If you know anything about this blue Audi A3 found in the river near Hellesdon Road this am, please call 101 quoting CAD 25 #PC71.'