Man arrested after stolen car chase

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police have arrested a man who raced dangerously from Auckland's eastern suburbs to the central city in a stolen vehicle this morning.

Police Northern Communications shift manager Inspector Matt Rogers said police were informed by a member of the public about a man driving erratically in Meadowbank about 10.50am.

"We checked the number plate and it was stolen," Mr Rogers said.

Police made an attempt to block the driver with two police cars, however he rammed one of the vehicles and got away.

The police's Eagle helicopter was called in to follow the man.

Mr Rogers stressed the police cars were not pursuing the man, rather holding back and following the car through their radio communication.

"The helicopter was watching the guy driving like a clown. He was driving dangerous by himself, so we held back," he said.

The driver dumped the vehicle on Britomart Pl and attempted to flee the police on foot, however was caught and arrested on Gore St at 11am.

Mr Rogers said the driver reached speeds of 100km/h, drove 80km/h through road works on Tamaki Drive and on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Rogers understands the man was wanted on a "number of serious matters" and is currently being processed at Auckland Central Police station.

"You could say it was a good catch," he said.