Stolen car pursuit ends in crash

A police pursuit of a stolen car ended when the fleeing driver crashed into a tree in Hamilton early this morning.

An Enderely resident called police shortly after 6am after witnessing a group stealing a silver car.

Acting City Commander, Inspector John Kelly, said the man was on his way to work when he saw three people in the car parked outside a Springfield Cr address.

"Thinking the car and its occupants looked out of place the man rang 111. Police responded but when they arrived in the area a car was seen to accelerate away,'' Mr Kelly said.

The fleeing driver was pursued by police to Sefton Cr, Chartwell, where he lost control of the car and collided with a tree.

The 18-year-old driver got out of the car, attempting to escape on foot, but jumped into the path of a moving police car.

He suffered a broken leg and was treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to Waikato Hospital.

Mr Kelly commended the quick actions of the man who reported the crime, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen car, even before the owner noticed it missing.

"As a result of his call we were able to notify the owner that his car had been stolen but had already been recovered, albeit with a degree of damage suffered.''

- © Fairfax NZ News