Man arrested after motorcycle chase crash

File photo / Wairarapa Times-Age

One man is in hospital and another has been arrested after a police chase in Hamilton this morning.

The chase happened after police on patrol came across two men on a motorbike doing a wheelie – standing the bike up on its rear wheel - a statement from police said.

The driver of the 400cc dirt bike sped off and police gave chase.

Police allege the motorbike reached speeds of between 70 and 100km an hour while ignoring red lights and riding on the wrong side of the road.

The police lost sight of the bike but a short time later came across the scene of a crash.

The motorbike had crashed into a wooden fence and the passenger was lying on the ground.

Police said a dog handler was called and tracked the man to a nearby paddock where he was arrested. He is facing driving charges.

The passenger has been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

- NZHERALD STAFF