Northland news in brief

A medical event may have caused the driver of this 4X4 to crash into a house in Whangārei yesterday.

Crash victim suffered medical event

The driver of a vehicle that crashed through a wooden fence and hit a Whangārei house before coming to a stop could have suffered a medical event, police say. The four-wheel drive vehicle was travelling north on Western Hills Dr when the vehicle hit a house at the intersection with Selwyn Ave about 8.20am yesterday.

A female front seat passenger was treated by St John staff on the footpath before an ambulance arrived and took her to Whangarei Hospital. The male driver was also checked by St John staff. Cracks could be seen on the corner of the Selwyn Ave house. No one was home at the time. The vehicle was towed away after police had detailed the scene. While Selwyn Ave was temporarily blocked, rush hour traffic on Western Hills Dr was not affected.

Northland police speak to threatening youths

Northland police have spoken to two youths after threatening messages were posted on a US-based website. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said the youths admitted making the comments, but said they were meant to be a joke. The youths were "very apologetic" for the concern they had caused. "Police are satisfied they are very remorseful for their actions and no further action will be taken," Johnston said. The Advocate understands the threats involved a Northland high school and were picked up by authorities in the US.

Hunter's vehicle destroyed

A hunter's vehicle was destroyed by fire while he was checking pig traps south of Kaikohe. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Mid North police, said the hunter had gone only a short distance into the bush off Orakau Rd, Tautoro, about 11.45am on Sunday when he heard noises from the area where he had parked his vehicle. When he returned he found it was on fire with some passers-by trying in vain to put the fire out. The vehicle was full of dive gear which was also destroyed. The fire was not suspicious.