Police car stolen and crashed

Police are speaking with two people after an officer's car was stolen and crashed in the Bay of Plenty last night.

The incident happened about 10.30pm while the sole officer was attending a disturbance at Waihi Beach, northern police communications Inspector Shawn Rutene said.

As the officer was arresting an offender at the scene, a male in the crowd stole the officer's patrol car and drove off, crashing into a fence about 75 metres away, Mr Rutene said.

Noone was injured in the crash, and the car and fence were moderately damaged.

Mr Rutene said two people were assisting police with their inquiries.

- NZPA