Child passenger in 'stolen' car pursuit in Hamilton: Police

The rural area where the pursuit ended. Photo / Google Earth

A child was a passenger in a stolen car that was the subject of a police pursuit tonight, a police spokeswoman says.

The drama began when police attempted to stop a stolen vehicle on Ulster St in Hamilton about 8.50pm.

"The vehicle failed to stop and pursuit was initiated. The vehicle led Hamilton City road policing units through the rural area around Whatawhata before turning down a dead end street at Karakariki Road."

The distance between Ulster St and where the pursuit ended is 23 kilometres.

The pursuit took place over 23 kilometres. Photo / Google Maps

The driver left on foot and police were speaking to three others in the car, who were helping with enquiries to find the driver.

The New Zealand Herald understood the child occupant may be a baby, but the police spokeswoman was not immediately able to confirm the child's age.

The police dog squad was involved in the search for the driver tonight, she said.