Man held at knifepoint in hostage drama

A man was held at knifepoint during a hostage drama south of Auckland early today.

Details are sketchy but police say the incident began when officers started chasing a car at Pokeno about 8.40am.

Police stopped the car in Pukekawa shortly afterwards where the driver got out and pulled a knife on two constables as they approached.

The driver then took a young male hostage and the armed offenders squad (AOS) was alerted.

It was unclear who the young male was or where he came from.

The officers managed to overpower the offender using pepper spray about 9am and the AOS was stood down.

No one was hurt and the man and three alleged associates were arrested.

Inquiries are continuing.