Two arrested after fleeing vehicle collides with police car

Two people have been arrested after a car crashed into two vehicles, including a police car, and swerved around road spikes near Palmerston North this evening.

Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Ash Gurney said police sighted a vehicle of interest in the Marton area about 4.30pm, and signalled for it to stop.

"The driver failed to do so, and officers did not pursue due to the manner of driving."

Inspector Gurney said the vehicle then fled towards Whanganui on State Highway 3.

"Officers set up road spikes. However, the vehicle avoided them and continued to flee. Due to the manner of driving and associated risks, officers did not pursue the vehicle."

Leaving Whanganui, the vehicle collided with a police car at low speed.

No injuries were reported, but the police car was damaged to the point that it was undriveable.

Police sighted the vehicle again about 6pm travelling south through Bulls and more attempts to spike the vehicle were unsuccessful.

About 6.25pm, police said the vehicle was involved in a crash near Levin, but continued driving. No injuries had been reported.

Just after 7pm, police received a call reporting the vehicle had hit a fence at Rangiotu, and two occupants were taken into custody.

Charges against the pair were being considered.