Motorist dies after Wellington police chase

File photos.

A 29-year-old man died after attempting to escape police on his motorcycle near Wellington this afternoon.

Police spotted the speeding rider on State Highway 1 near Tawa as he headed toward the capital about 4.20pm.

Area commander Peter Cowan told NZPA a patrol car gave chase but soon lost sight of the man when he left the motorway and headed into the suburb of Newlands.

Mr Cowan said police were still speaking to witnesses, but it appeared the man had lost control, crashing over a bank and falling about 15 metres to his death.

- NZPA