Woman hit by police car 'critical'

File photo / NZ Herald

A young woman who ran out into the path of a moving police car in Napier early this morning (Friday) is in a critical condition in Hawke's Bay Hospital.

Napier Area Commander Inspector Kevin Kalff said the 24-year-old local woman was hit by the car on Hastings St near the Brazen Head pub just before 1am. She remains in Hawke's Bay Hospital with critical head injuries.

Mr Kalff said initial indications showed the woman was standing on the side of the road near the bar when she ran across the road and into the path of the police car that was travelling south on Hastings St.

The male driver of the police car was at home sleeping after working the night shift and would be interviewed today, he said.

The police serious crash unit is investigating. Mr Kalff said police had spoken to a number of witnesses.

"We are keen to hear from anyone else who may be able to shed some light on the incident and that might assist the investigation," he said.

Hastings St has a 50km/h speed limit and the police car was not travelling at speed or on its way to an emergency.