Three people injured in crash at Petone after fleeing police

The crash happened after two stolen Subarus sped away from police. Photo / File

Three people have been injured in a high-speed crash after a police chase in Wellington early this morning.

The pursuit began after police spotted two stolen Subarus in Taita, Lower Hutt, shortly after 4am.

Both cars sped away, and police gave up the chase for a time.

"Due to the excessive speed the vehicles were driving at and the risk to public safety, police did not pursue the drivers," a police spokeswoman said.

The cars were later seen on State Highway 2 going south, prompting a new pursuit.

"After a very short period of driving at speed one of the vehicles crashed near the Petone overbridge," the spokeswoman said.

Three passengers were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

The driver and front-seat passenger tried to get away on foot but were found by a police dog unit.

Police are still looking for the other Subaru and inquiries are continuing.

The road remains closed as the serious crash unit investigates.