An Australian man who spent 36 hours in a sewer ‘looking for his phone’ – was actually hiding from police after being involved in two car crashes.

A man from Brisbane, Australia, who was rescued by firefighters had been in two dangerous car accidents, police say, the Telegraph reports.

The 38-year-old was reportedly pulled from the drain on Monday and was reportedly involved in two accidents on Sunday morning, one involving a police vehicle.

He had initially told emergency services that he had gone underground to retrieve his phone.

Queensland Police said a car they were chasing in Kangaroo Point had reversed and collided with the police car, causing significant damage and injuring police officers.