Police on the hunt for missing men

Waikato police say the two men are still at large. Photo / File

Police are hunting two men who crashed a car near Cambridge before stealing another and leading police on a high-speed chase through the Waikato.

Waikato Police had to give up the pursuit when the stolen car reached speeds of 170km/h between Cambridge and Tirau this morning.

The drama unfolded when the two men absconded on warrants to arrest for other matters in the Bay of Plenty.

They crashed one car near Cambridge before 10am as Waikato Police searched for them.

When the offenders took a second car the pursuit began.

Waikato Police spokesman Andrew McAlley said the stolen car was recovered between Tirau and Okoroire about 11am.

He said the two men were still at large.