Unlicensed teen driver hurt after fleeing police

Photo / File

An unlicenced 16-year-old Dunedin youth is in hospital with a serious head injury after fleeing police in a high-speed pursuit.

He crashed his car on State Highway 87 near Clarks Junction.

A police car conducting radar speed enforcement recorded a Toyota Rav 4 travelling "well in excess of the 100kmh speed limit'' about 10.45am today.

The car was reported stolen and the driver did not have a licence.

Southern District Command Centre deployment co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Brian Benn, of Dunedin, said the police unit attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled.

Police gave chase for about four minutes, and the vehicle reached speeds of up to 140kmh, before failing to take a corner and rolling several times, Snr Sgt Benn said.

The driver was found unconscious and was transported to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter with a serious head injury.

"Apart from its speed, the vehicle's manner of driving was good, as were road conditions. Traffic was light,'' Snr Sgt Benn said.

"Initial indications are that the pursuit was conducted in accordance with police policy.''

Police serious crash investigators attended the scene yesterday to conduct a full investigation of the circumstances of the crash, he said.

A full investigation will take place. Police say initial indications are that the pursuit was conducted in accordance with police policy.

Police were called to another crash, on the Lindis Pass near Morven Hills, about 10.30am, after a 4WD rolled and landed upside-down on the side of the road, Fairfax media reports.

Another car was reportedly involved. The occupants of both vehicles all had minor injuries.