Gun found after police chase

Police are investigating after a firearm was found in a car which crashed following a police pursuit on a rural Waikato road last night.

A couple and a small child in the Holden Commodore were lucky to escape uninjured, Eastern Waikato Area commander Inspector Glenn Dunbier said today.

The crash happened on the Ohinewai-Tahuna Rd outside Morrinsville about 8.30pm.

"The blue Holden Commodore had been stopped earlier at a checkpoint in Morrinsville but the driver sped off as officers went to speak to him, turning his lights off," Mr Dunbier said.

"Because of heavy fog the pursuit was abandoned. However, another patrol car at Tahuna spotted the car and a second pursuit managed by the Northern Communications Centre ensued."

As the driver headed west towards Ohinewai he lost control of his car and crashed.

Mr Dunbier said that while the crash would be subject to a review "it appears the pursuit was managed in accordance with all established protocols".

A separate investigation was being carried out into the discovery of a firearm and other items in the crashed car.

- NZPA