Officer hurt as speedster crashes car

Traffic lights were demolished and a police officer injured during an early morning crash in Christchurch yesterday.

Police said a patrol car was involved in the crash but it was not being treated as a pursuit. The Police Complaints Authority would investigate.

The collision at the Colombo-Brougham St corner happened about 6.30am, closing the busy intersection for more than three hours.

A police officer was taken to hospital for a check-up but was expected to return to work last night.

The driver of a car involved in the collision was in hospital under police supervision and facing serious charges, said Inspector Gary Knowles of Christchurch.

He said the car was being driven at speed and erratically before the crash and at least one member of the public had to take evasive action.

Police wanted to hear from any residents in the area whose vehicles were broken into overnight.

A local businessman, who did not want to be named, said police investigating the crash had photographed mag wheels in the boot of the car.

"They definitely didn't belong to that car."

He understood the car had come from Stanley St and turned into Colombo St and taken out the traffic lights.

"It's munted," he said of the car. "It's been biffed on both sides, the front, the back. I'd say they've been rammed a couple of times."

The patrol car had damage to the front left hand side and a flat tyre, he said.

A third car driven by a member of the public was also left at the scene with minor damage.

Another local worker said the traffic lights were "smashed to pieces".