Fleeing driver's car crashes, 'catches fire' on Auckland's North Shore

A car reportedly caught fire after the driver fled police through several North Shore suburbs on Sunday night. Photo/Supplied

A driver who fled police on Sunday night smashed his car into another vehicle, spilling fuel all over the road, but managed to drive another kilometre before it reportedly caught fire.

A 23-year-old man faces dangerous driving and drunk-driving charges after he allegedly led police on the chase through several suburbs on Auckland's North Shore.

A witness said the car crashed into a vehicle parked on Birkenhead Ave at 10.20pm on Sunday. Its bumper broke off and fuel leaked out, but the driver did a burnout and drove off in the opposite direction.

"The screech, bang and the smoke from the burnout were huge and many neighbours gathered outside," the witness said. A firefighter at the scene told the man the car then caught fire 1km up the road and the driver was caught.

Waitemata Senior Sergeant Andrew Burdett confirmed a vehicle was seen driving recklessly on Northcote Rd at 10.20pm on Sunday.

It would not stop for police and they pursued it through several North Shore suburbs, Burdett said.

"The vehicle collided with a parked car on Birkenhead Avenue before attempting to continue evading police.

"The vehicle sustained damage and eventually stopped in Beach Haven and the driver was apprehended."

Fire service spokeswoman Megan Ruru said firefighters were called to reports fluid had leaked on the road after a crash.

Police arrested a 23-year-old Birkdale man who faces charges of failing to stop, dangerous driving, failing to stop and ascertain injury after a crash, driving with breath alcohol over 400mcg, and operating a vehicle causing sustained loss of traction. He also faces two charges of breaching bail.

The man was held in custody and appeared in the North Shore District Court on July 31.