Driver of stolen car allegedly hits two people at Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park

Police swarm on Pepper St after the incident. Photo / Paul Taylor

A young female driver has been arrested and referred to youth aid after an alleged car theft from the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park ended in drama.

Police allege the woman was part of a group stealing a car, a Mazda Familia, from the car park near to the EIT Institute of Sport and Health about 11am on Tuesday.

But things did not go to plan. Witnesses told Hawke's Bay Today the owners of the car spotted the attempted theft taking place and ran outside to try to stop it.

The pair, both EIT students, were then hit by the stolen Familia as the woman drove out of the car park, and on to Percival Rd.

A St John spokeswoman said neither of pair hit had injuries to report, and they were not transported to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

EIT deputy chief executive Mark Oldershaw said the car belonged to an EIT student.

"I understand that they were very shaken up and very lucky.

"When the incident happened EIT staff were already present, but we sent out two extra staff in terms of health and safety and counselling."

The car has not been returned to its owner yet.

Police tracked the Mazda Demio to Pepper St in Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor

Following the incident a woman posted a message on Facebook saying her car had been stolen.

"My car has been broken into and stolen from Hawke's Bay Sports Park. They hit me with my car. And have taken off.

"Please look out for my car. I'm a young mum and need my car to help care for my child that has medical conditions and to get to and from work + study. It has my child's car seat, pram and many things that I need."

A police spokeswoman said they tracked a vehicle, a Mazda Demio, to Pepper St and Oxford St in Hastings, after the incident, where an arrest was made about 11.30am.

Hawke's Bay Today understands the Demio was on scene at the time of the Familia theft and drove off at the same time.

Police said they had made no further arrests in relation to the incident and inquiries were ongoing.