Police cars collide in Christchurch

File photo / Martin Sykes

A police officer has been left red-faced after running a red light and colliding with another patrol car in Christchurch yesterday morning.

The marked police car was heading east along Bealey Ave with a woman from a domestic dispute and another officer in the back when the crash happened about 6.20am, Canterbury road policing manager Inspector Al Stewart told The Press.

"Due to being distracted by (the woman), the driver of the car has gone through a red light," he said.

The car hit an unmarked police car heading south, leaving the driver of the marked car bruised but no-one else was hurt.

"The initial indication is that speed isn't an issue and that both were travelling under the speed limit," Mr Stewart said.

"It's difficult at times when you are dealing with someone like that not to get distracted and it's just a matter of bad timing."

The crash would be investigated before a decision was made on whether to take action against the driver.

- NZPA