Two arrested after fleeing driver in stolen car sparks major police response across Auckland, ‘close calls’ with other drivers

The incident began around 4.15pm on Thursday after police observed a person in a stolen car. Photo / Bevan Conley

Two people have been arrested after a fleeing driver sparked a major police response across Auckland this evening spanning at least two hours.

Multiple police vehicles were spotted across the city, as well as the police Eagle helicopter observing from above, as police began tracking a stolen vehicle around 4pm.

The incident began on the North Shore. Police tracked the vehicle as it travelled through Remuera towards Greenlane.

Shortly before 6pm, police said the incident was still “very much ongoing”.

“The vehicle was observed driving erratically and at high speed. No members of the public were injured during this event, however there were a number of close calls with other road users,” police said.

Police successfully spiked the vehicle’s tyres on Ireland Rd in Mt Wellington, and two people were taken into custody without incident about 6pm.

Inquiries are ongoing.

A witness earlier said they saw about 30 police cars speeding down Shore Rd in Parnell shortly before 5.30pm.

Several police officers were reportedly hiding in Hobson Circle in Remuera with spikes laid out but the vehicle they were waiting for never came.