12 Nov 2012

Man dies in crash fleeing police

10:40 pm on 12 November 2012

A man has died after fleeing from police in a stolen car near Katikati in Bay of Plenty.

Police say the stolen car was seen in the Waihi area before 5pm on Monday and was followed by officers along State Highway 2.

They say the driver sped out of sight of officers and crashed almost immediately into a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

The man, who was the only person in the car, died at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to hospital with injuries police believe are serious.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident.

The Serious Crash Unit remained at the scene on Monday night and diversions were in place.