Five in hospital after two police pursuits end in crashes

A car crashed through a fence and into a house after a police pursuit in Onehunga. Photo/Supplied

A motorcyclist is in a critical condition at Palmerston North Hospital, and four injured people were taken to Auckland City Hospital, after crashes following police pursuits.

About 2.45pm Counties Manukau Police tried to stop a stolen vehicle near Royal Oak roundabout on Mt Smart Rd, Onehunga.

Police said the driver failed to stop and a brief pursuit started.

The pursuit was abandoned, and shortly after, the stolen vehicle crashed into a power box on Selwyn Rd, police said.

A photo taken by a witness shows the car crashed through a fence and the front of the car crumpled against the wall of a house.

Four of the occupants had moderate to minor injuries and were taken to Auckland City Hospital. Two were checked by ambulance at the scene.

Two girls, aged 15 and 17, were arrested on outstanding warrants.

About 7.25pm a speeding motorcyclist in Bulls, near Whanganui, also failed to stop for police.

A short pursuit started just north of the town centre, said Central District road policing manager Inspector Brett Calkin.

Police soon abandoned the pursuit because of the way the motorcyclist was driving.

A short time later the motorcyclist collided with a car on Bridge St in Bulls.

The motorcyclist was taken by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital and remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit today.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be advised.

A section of Bridge St remains closed north of State Highway 1, and diversions are in place.

Anyone who saw the crash or the motorcyclist who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Palmerston North Police on (06) 351 3600.