A police car has been involved in a crash in Auckland overnight - taking out a light pole and smashing into a bus stop - during a pursuit.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Great South Rd, in Epsom, about 12.30am.
Police confirmed the crash happened during a pursuit after an officer spotted a vehicle that had been involved in previous fleeing driver incidents, which did not have a current vehicle registration.
“Police activated their lights and sirens and signalled for the vehicle to stop,” a spokeswoman said.
“The driver has refused to stop and Police have initiated a pursuit.”
The vehicle involved had been heading north along Great South Rd, towards Newmarket, when it was spotted by police.
“As the cars were approaching Market Rd, both the fleeing driver and the police vehicle crossed onto the flush media to pass a member of the public.
“The police car has then been forced to take evasive action to avoid striking a raised centre island and, unfortunately, lost control and collided with a bus shelter and power pole.”
Firefighters and police officers were seen examining the crash site and surrounding areas, as glass and debris from the police vehicle littered the ground and footpath.
The police car itself has suffered extensive damage; with the whole front completely scrunched up and the windshield smashed.
Northern fire communications confirmed staff assisted police at the scene.
Police said inquiries to find the fleeing driver are ongoing.
Can you help? Anyone with information that may help Police is urged to contact Police on 105 or CrimeStoppers anonymous on 0800 555 111