Northland news in brief

Passenger run over

A woman stopped by police in Kaikohe for driving while disqualified accidentally ran over one of her passengers. The incident occurred on Bisset Rd around noon yesterday when a woman recognised by police as a disqualified driver initially refused to stop. She then pulled into a driveway and her passengers got out, but she forgot to apply the handbrake or put the vehicle into park. It rolled backwards over the foot of one of her passengers. St John Ambulance responded but the passenger was not seriously injured. The driver faces a fresh charge of driving while disqualified and her car has been seized.

Kaitaia foot chase

Two men chasing four youths along Kaitaia's main street on Tuesday attracted the attention of police. They received the report about 4.45am on Monday and when they arrived the four youths had been cornered in the Mobil Service Station forecourt by the two men. The men believed the youths had broken into a car in Mission Place. The youths, two aged 14 and the others 13 and 16, were runaways from a CYF house and were returned to the home by police.

Fire restrictions eased

The total fire bans have been called off throughout Northland after last week's rain storms. The Far North continues to have a restricted fire season, which means people who want to burn-off or have a fire must apply for a permit. There is now an open fire season in Whangarei and Kaitaia which means permits are not required. Go to havingafire.org.nz for more information or to apply for a free permit.

Man needs medical treatment

Police looking for a 24-year-old Northland man are concerned that he has not shown up for medical treatment. Clayton Padlie has connections to the Whangarei and Kaikohe/Awarua areas but has recently been frequenting Paihia. He is described as Maori of medium build. Police advise the public not to approach Mr Padlie but anyone who knows where he is should call 111 or Detective Bill Dawson at Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.