'Slow-speed' chase nets couple

A man and woman will face burglary charges in Wanganui District Court today after a police pursuit ended with their arrest early this morning.

Police followed a car as it drove into Wanganui from Marton about 4am after reports the occupants were acting suspiciously, acting Sergeant Vinnie Heihei said.

The occupants failed to stop for police, who chased the car several kilometres before stopping at a building in the industrial suburb of Gonville.

"It was a 'slow-speed' pursuit," he said. "They didn't reach speeds of more than 70km/h."

Police were then notified the Shell service station in Marton had been robbed of goods valued at more than $5000, Mr Heihei said.

A 23-year-old Wanganui man and a 20-year-old Wanganui woman would be charged with burglary today and the woman would also be charged with failing to stop and driving while disqualified.

Police were hunting a third person -- of slim build wearing a black hoody, faded jeans and a dark beanie -- who ran from the car as it stopped in Gonville, he said. However, they were unsure whether the offender was a man or a woman.

- NZPA