Police in high-speed chase through beach sand dunes

Police are hunting the driver of a modified car who led them on a high-speed chase through sand dunes, using a wrench as a steering wheel to weave the car along the beach.

Speeds of more than 80kmh were reached on the sand road between Tangimoana and Himatangi, as Foxton Beach Constable Terry Hansen gave chase in his four-wheel-drive police vehicle.

At one stage, the driver, believed to be male, seemed to toy with police.

He pulled a U-turn and sped back towards and past Mr Hansen.

The pursuit began when the car's driver failed to stop for police on Tangimoana Beach Rd about 3pm Tuesday. Police wanted to stop the vehicle because it matched the description of a stolen car and had been spotted driving in Foxton Beach without a front number plate.

When Foxton police officers flashed their lights at the car, it sped back towards the beach.

Mr Hansen, driving along the beach at the time, gave chase. The car led him on a 10-minute chase as it darted through the sand dunes before coming to a stop. The driver and a passenger then ran from the car into forest.

Police discovered the car's steering wheel had been replaced with a wrench tool attached to the steering column.

"You wouldn't call it up to Warrant of Fitness standard," he said.

Mr Hansen said the beach – which is a state highway – was deserted at the time, so there was no risk to the public during the pursuit. "I had come up the beach, so I knew no-one was there."

Sniffer dogs helped track the fleeing pair as far as Himatangi before the search was called off about 5.15pm.

Anyone with information can contact Foxton police on 06 363 8084.

- © Fairfax NZ News