Police investigate after fatal pursuit crash

An investigation is under way after a passenger in a stolen car died less than a minute after police began chasing the vehicle in West Auckland.

A patrol had been responding to reports of a burglary when officers saw three vehicles grouped together about 3.21am.

Police said the cars took off at speed after seeing the patrol, which then decided to try to intercept one of the vehicles - a grey Subaru Forrester station wagon.

"The unit activated their red and blue lights and sirens and called in a pursuit but the driver of the Subaru still failed to stop," police said in a statement.

The car drove just over a kilometre in 47 seconds before losing control and crashing into a lamp post and then a tree at the intersection of Golf and Titirangi Roads.

A male passenger died at the scene and two others were taken to hospital and are critically ill.

Police have launched an internal investigation and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been advised of the incident.

The Serious Crash Unit is also investigating the crash

The driver of the car suffered minor injuries. Police said the Subaru had been reported stolen and Waitakere CIB was questioning him.

Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to call the Serious Crash Unit on 09 481 0300.

- NZHERALD STAFF