Alcohol, speed and illegal racing suspected in serious crash

Two people are in hospital after their vehicle hit a tree in a suspected drunken illegal street race in south Auckland.

Police told Newshub two vehicles were racing at speed on Arnwood St in Manurewa when one lost control, hit a tree and flipped over around 11:30pm on Friday night.

"One of the vehicles has lost control on an easy right-hand bend, colliding with a tree," said Snr Sgt Matthew Child.

"The second vehicle has taken off without stopping."

One of the occupants of the crashed vehicle is serious, the other critical.

The driver of the second vehicle is yet to be located, and police are urging they hand themselves in.

"This accident behind us is completely preventable," said Snr Sgt Child. "It ticks all the boxes for having a serious car accident - we believe speed is involved, we believe alcohol is involved and we believe illegal street racing is involved."

Police say they'd like to hear from anyone with information - call them on (09) 261 1300 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Newshub.