One person has been seriously injured after fleeing police and crashing into a tree in Omata, New Plymouth.
Police responded to reports that a person had been assaulted about 3:43am on Saturday morning.
The person allegedly responsible for the assault then left the address in a vehicle.
Officers saw the vehicle and attempted to stop it when the male driver tried to flee.
A short time later the vehicle collided with a tree on South Road near the intersection of Beach Road.
The driver has been transported to Taranaki Base Hospital in a serious condition.
Speed and alcohol are suspected to be factors in the crash.
"This is a terrible outcome for the driver, his family and our staff.
"The decision whether or not to pursue a fleeing driver is always a tough one and it's one our staff take most seriously," said Inspector Brett Calkin, Central District Prevention Manager
Police would like anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the New Plymouth Police station on 06 759 5500 or via 105.
