Man in fatal crash during police pursuit

A man died when the stolen car he was driving crashed while being pursued by police near Waipukurau early today.

Waipukurau police Sergeant Ross Gilbert said the incident happened about 3am after a police patrol had tried to stop the vehicle because of a dangerous driving incident in the town.

"The driver of the car failed to stop and the following pursuit lasted for 5km and reached speeds of approximately 140km/h on an open and clear rural road," he said.

The car failed to take a severe bend and left the road, hitting a tree stump on the edge of a ditch.

Mr Gilbert said the 19-year-old driver, who was the sole occupant, was killed instantly.

"At the time of the crash the following police patrol was approximately half a kilometre behind the car," he said.

The vehicle, a dark-coloured Toyota Corolla, had earlier been reported stolen from the Foxton area.

Mr Gilbert said police were investigating the crash and the Police Complaints Authority was also running an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and the man's death.

He said police would not be naming the dead man until Monday, and wants anyone who may have seen the vehicle between Foxton and Waipukurau between 12.30am and 3am today to contact Waipukurau police on 06 8589 140.

- NZPA