Teen in critical condition after police pursuit in Whanganui

The vehicle crashed into a power pole on Carlton Ave in Whanganui. Photo / Google Street View

A teen is in critical condition after the stolen car they were in with six others crashed during a police pursuit in Whanganui last night.

The teen was one of seven people, aged between 11 and 16, in the car.

Police say officers tried to pulled it over but the driver failed to stop.

A short time later the vehicle crashed into a power pole on Carlton Ave.

One person involved in the crash is hospital in the Intensive Care Unit. The other passengers had minor and moderate injuries but have been discharged from hospital.

The teenagers will be referred to Youth Aid.

And, earlier this morning five teenagers were injured when the car they were in crashed into parked cars during a police chase in South Auckland.

Police said the car was seen driving dangerously around 4am but refused to stop for police.

A police spokesman said the car crashed into two unoccupied parked vehicles and flipped on Great South Rd, between Watson Pl and George St.

The teenagers, all aged between 14 and 17, were taken to Middlemore Hospital.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating both crashes.

The Police Association would like to see a campaign targeted at teenagers who think it's a good idea to run from officers.

Late last night a stolen car with seven people aged 11 to 16 crashed during a pursuit in Whanganui, critically injuring one.

And five teenagers have been hurt - two of them seriously - after a chase ended in Papatoetoe early this morning.

Police Association president Chris Cahill says some teenagers think speeding off from a police car is a great game to play.

He says they need to be told how many people's lives they put in danger when they refuse to stop.