Crash after woman does u-turn in front of police car

File photo.

Two cars collided in front of a Hamilton police station early this morning after a woman did a u-turn in front of a police vehicle with its emergency lights flashing.

The accident happened about 4.15am after a police dog unit left the West Hamilton community policing centre, on Whatawhata Rd, to attend a string of reported car break-ins in Western Heights.

When the police car flashed its lights, a car travelling ahead of it initially pulled over outside the Dinsdale shops, acting area commander Inspector Karen Henrikson of Hamilton police said.

However, the car then pulled a u-turn in front of the oncoming police car.

Both vehicles were seriously damaged, coming to rest in front of the police station.

The female driver suffered a cut to the head, while the officer and police dog escaped injury.

Both drivers were treated by ambulance staff.

Motorists were often left wondering what to do when encountering emergency service vehicles with flashing lights, Ms Henrikson said.

"The best advice we can give is to move as far left as safety allows, and if possible come to a halt until the emergency vehicle has past."

- NZPA