Police hunt pair after police car rammed, shot fired in Tairua

A policeman fired shots as he his behind his patrol car which was repeatedly rammed by a vehicle stolen during a burglary at Cooks Beach. Photo/File

The road where a police officer fired shots at an offender who repeatedly rammed their vehicle into a patrol car will be closed this afternoon to allow an investigation to be carried out.

Police are hunting the two offenders involved in the incident on Hikuai Settlement Rd near Tairua just before 10pm yesterday.

Waikato police Superintendent Bruce Bird said a police officer noticed two cars - one which was believed to have been stolen during a burglary at Cooks Beach on Sunday.

One of the vehicles stopped when signalled to do so by the officer, however as the cop was speaking to the occupant of that car, the second car drove past, then reversed at speed towards the police officer.

"The officer took cover behind his police car, however the offending driver rammed the police car several times.

"Fearing for his safety, the officer fired at the offending driver's car, hitting the rear window. The occupant of the first car then got into the second car and both offenders fled in that car."

The car the offenders fled in is a Subaru Impreza, registration number ASY550.

It was originally red in colour but has been spray-painted black and was last seen heading towards Thames on State Highway 25.

Police this afternoon said Hikuai Settlement Rd, at the intersection of SH25, will be closed for about an hour to allow their investigations to take place.

Meanwhile, Bird said police were now appealing for any sightings of the car since 10pm last night, and would also like to hear from anyone who has information which will help us locate the two offenders."

Anyone with information is urged to phone Waikato Police on 07 858 6200. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.