Police narrow their search for hit-and-run driver

South Waikato police say they have identified both the ute and driver believed to be responsible for a hit and run involving an ambulance transporting a seriously injured patient to hospital on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Matamata police said the man was local and they were trying to find him.

His dark green 2007 Toyota Hilux ute, registration EDN871, would have damage on its front and left side, he said.

The ute lost control on a bend and crossed the centre line on Hinuera Rd, 5km south of Matamata, just after 5pm on Tuesday striking the ambulance's left side, police said.

It then continued towards Matamata without stopping.

The ambulance driver managed to slow to about 20km/h before the collision and the patient and crew were unhurt.

Anyone with any information about the ute or driver is asked to contact Matamata police.

They are also still seeking information about another ute which caused a second crash near Matamata only hours after the first.

The incident happened at Tatuanui, 29km north-west of Matamata about 1am yesterday.

A lone woman driver escaped serious injury when her car was shunted off the road near the intersection of State Highways 26 and 27.

Police have discounted any connection between the two crashes, and still need information about the second ute involved, for which they have no description.

- NZPA