Stolen vehicle rammed cop car

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police are seeking the driver of a stolen 4WD vehicle that rammed a marked police patrol car about 7am today on Waimate North Rd, Kerikeri.

The stolen vehicle, a maroon Nissan Terrano, had earlier been reported by a person, who saw it swerving all over the road.

It was found by police and pursued for a short time before the pursuit was called off due to the dangerous driving of the offender, Northland police communications officer Sarah Kennett said.

"About 10 minutes later a police patrol vehicle was travelling west on Waimate North Road when the stolen vehicle came around the corner travelling in the opposite direction," Ms Kennett said.

"The male driver of the stolen vehicle immediately drove into the rear passenger side of the police car and then drove off, sliding down a short bank about 50m from where the police vehicle was struck."

The 4WD and police car both suffered moderate damage, Ms Kennett said.

The police officer was shaken, but unhurt.

The driver of the 4WD, who was described as Maori of stocky build and aged about 20 years, ran off.

- NZPA