Crash leaves policeman injured

A policeman is in hospital and an investigation is underway after a crash involving a police car in Christchurch this morning.

Officers are saying little about the incident that closed a major city intersection for more than three hours.

Police reported earlier that the intersection of Colombo St and Brougham St would be closed for most of the morning after a crash about 6.30am. They refused to confirm a police car was involved.

Colombo St is the main north-south route through the central city and Brougham St is a major arterial that carries heavy traffic and links the Port of Lyttelton with motorways north and south. Traffic was diverted, causing major disruption during the morning peak hours.

The intersection was reopened about 9.45am.

Police issued a statement seeking sightings of a black Mitsubishi Diamante car that was seen "driving at speed" in areas near the crash site about 6am.

Inspector Gary Knowles said people may have seen the car being driven erratically and police knew of at least one driver who had to take evasive action.

The Mitsubishi driver was admitted to Christchurch Hospital after the crash and is understood to be under observation.

Police are waiting to interview him.

Mr Knowles said police also wanted to hear from anyone in the Sydenham/Beckenham area who had their vehicle broken into overnight.

A police spokeswoman said the police car was not chasing the Mitsubishi at the time of the crash, but had been looking for a similar vehicle.

Police said later the officer had been discharged from hospital and had returned home. He was expected to return to duty tonight.

- NZPA