Stolen vehicle driven off cliff

A man is being treated in hospital after a stolen 4WD was driven off a cliff and into the sea early this morning.

The Mitsubishi Pajero went into the water at Purau Bay, south of Christchurch, at about 1am, Inspector Michael Coulter said.

A resident in Diamond Harbour alerted emergency services to the accident and police, fire, ambulance, a Lyttelton Harbour Board vessel and a rescue helicopter attended the scene and found the vehicle on the waterfront.

The injured man, who was the only person in the vehicle, was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.

Mr Coulter said he was being treated for "moderate injuries".

- NZ HERALD STAFF

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