Police are following a specific line of inquiry in relation to last night’s incident on Hobart’s waterfront in which a 27 year old man drowned.

Police were called to the scene about 10pm after reports of a man and woman falling into the water in the vicinity of PW1.

Detective Inspector David Gill said that the woman managed to climb out of the water and raise the alarm, however the man sadly could not be revived despite the best efforts of police, emergency services and two members of the public who came to his aid.

Following extensive investigations this morning, police believe that the man and woman were pushed into the water from behind by a person unknown to them in an attempt to steal the woman’s handbag.

“This is a disgraceful, cowardly act which has resulted in a terrible tragedy,” Detective Inspector Gill said.

“We are calling on the person or people involved to come forward to police to assist us with our investigation so we can help provide closure to the family involved.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with information to please come forward and report to police on 13144 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. You can remain anonymous.”

“I would like to recognise the heroic efforts of the passing members of the public who entered the water in an attempt to rescue the man – as well as the outstanding efforts of our responding police and emergency service personnel under very difficult circumstances.

“This is a distressing incident and we are treating this as a very serious criminal investigation,” Detective Inspector Gill said.