Police investigate pursuit that led to motorcyclist death

The scene of a fatal crash on Buckland Rd , Mangere. Police initiated a pursuit of a motorcycle which crashed shortly after, killing the rider. Photo / Nick Reed.

Police have confirmed officers pursued a motorcyclist for one minute before the chase ended in a fatal crash.

The investigation into the police pursuit that ended in the death of a 32-year-old motorcyclist in Auckland is ongoing.

On Sunday evening witnesses described seeing a police motorcycle chasing another motorcyclist through Mangere moments before a fatal crash.

Police confirmed the motorcyclist was killed after crashing on Buckland Rd, near the intersection of Royton Ave, after failing to stop.

Today Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin McNaughton from the Counties Manukau Police said a number of inquiries were still to be made in relation to the accident.

So far he was able to confirm the accident happened after police tried to stop the motorcycle rider at 7.20pm on Sunday.

"The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated."

He said the pursuit, which lasted just over one minute, ended when the male rider crashed.

"The driver, a man aged 32-years-old, died at the scene."

McNaughton said the driver's name would be released once next of kin had been notified.

The accident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police would also conduct its own investigation, which McNaughton said was "standard procedure".

He said the outcome demonstrated the "tragic consequences" that can happen if a driver chooses not to stop for police.

"Fleeing driver incidents are incredibly tragic for all those involved including our staff, it is the last thing our officers go to work for."