Man killed in stolen motorbike crash

Police have asked motorists to avoid the area if possible. File photo

A stolen motorbike is believed to have been involved in a crash that left one person dead, and another seriously injured in the Bay of Plenty this morning.

Police said they received a report of two motorbikes being stolen from a house in Kawerau, in the Bay of Plenty, about 2.45am.

Officers were then sent to the area to investigate the burglary and carry out a search of the neighbouring forestry area.

Police said one officer then returned to his vehicle to carry out road patrols, when they came across a crash that had just occurred on River Road, about 3.40am.

One of the motorbikes, believed to be stolen in the burglary, had been involved in a collision with a four wheel drive vehicle.

Two men aged 24 and 17 were on the bike.

Police said the 24-year-old man died at the scene, while the 17-year-old was in hospital with serious injuries.

The driver and passenger of the four wheel drive were not injured.

Police said the road had since re-opened and a serious crash investigation was currently underway.

Police said the purpose of their investigation was to establish whether the two men on the bike were involved in the robbery.

The other stolen motorbike has been located by police in Kawerau.

Anyone with any information was asked to contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.