Woman charged over 'panda' crash

Police in Christchurch have found the driver of a car carrying a passenger dressed as a panda and charged her over an alleged hit-and-run in the city.

A woman suffered back injuries as the parked car she was getting into was hit from behind by a red car in Riccarton suburb about 2.25am on Saturday, November 3.

Constable Moira Wyeth, of Christchurch police, said the 1990s four-door sedan failed to stop after the crash.

Police appealed for witnesses to the incident and said a person dressed in a panda suit was seen hanging out of the front passenger window of the red car at the time of the crash and may have been injured.

Constable Wyeth said today police had been able to find the driver after feedback from the public following publicity about the "panda" passenger.

The 25-year-old woman had been charged with careless driving causing injury and failing to stop or ascertain injury.

- NZPA