One person has died in a serious crash in New Plymouth early this morning.
The crash happened on Taharua Road around 12:40am, when a single vehicle collided with a power pole.
The car had been identified by a Police patrol minutes earlier as travelling at excessive speed on Junction Street.
Police initiated a pursuit when the vehicle failed to stop.
Shortly afterwards, the fleeing car has collided with the pursuing patrol car on Junction Street where the pursuit was abandoned.
Some minutes later a second patrol car located the fleeing vehicle on Taharua Road, where it had collided with a power pole.
The sole occupant of the car died at the scene.
A number of investigations are underway – a Serious Crash Unit investigation and a Police internal investigation. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
ENDS
Media note: Superintendent Sue Schwalger, Central District Commander, will be available to speak to media at 11am today.
Please be aware this will take place in Palmerston North.
Media are asked to assemble outside 404 Church Street, Palmerston North, before 11am.
It is intended that an audio recording of the stand-up will be made available.