Alexandra and Cromwell police chased a vehicle early on Saturday after a disqualified driver under the influence of alcohol failed to stop at Butchers dam, near Alexandra.

Sergeant Derek Ealson, of Alexandra, said police were alerted to the driver after a complaint was received about the speed of a vehicle in Roxburgh about 2.20am.

Police were able to catch up with the vehicle at Butchers dam but attempts to stop it failed and sparked a pursuit, Mr Ealson said.

Speeds of over 100kmh were reached during the pursuit, which ended at the Clyde bridge about 20 minutes later, Mr Ealson said.

The vehicle had turned off State Highway 8 into Conroy's Rd and then into Earnscleugh Rd.

Cromwell police assisted Alexandra police by blocking the bridge and the driver stopped.

A 27-year-old Tapanui man was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified, breaching bail conditions, dangerous driving and drink-driving after he recorded a breath alcohol level of 773mcg (the legal limit is 400mcg).

Mr Ealson said the man was taken into custody and he was expected to appear in Invercargill District Court today.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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