Biker critical after crashing into canal

A motorbike rider is in a critical condition after crashing into a Gold Coast canal while evading police.

Police tried to intercept the male rider at Surfers Paradise on Monday night.

After failing to stop, he crashed his bike and flipped over the handlebars into a canal.

A police spokesman said officers fished him out of the water in a semi-conscious state.

He was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

No charges have been laid.