Police chase after bread truck stolen

A 25-year-old man has been arrested following an hour-long police pursuit of a stolen bread delivery truck through the Manawatu overnight.

The incident began in Foxton shortly before 3am, when a bread delivery man had his truck stolen by a man wielding a hammer, central police communications Inspector Paul Jermy said.

Shortly afterwards, police spotted the truck on State Highway 1, south of Foxton and attempted to stop it.

The driver failed to stop and led police on a pursuit from Foxton to Otaki, and out to Otaki Beach, where road spikes were laid cross the road to stop the truck.

Despite the tyres deflating, the driver continued driving and the chase returned to SH1.

The driver eventually stopped when the truck became more difficult to control.

The pursuit lasted an hour and five minutes - but did not exceed 110km/h as the truck was incapable of travelling any faster, Mr Jermy said.

A 25-year-old Palmerston North man had been arrested and faced numerous charges, including breach of bail, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving whilst forbidden and robbery.

- NZPA