Three men arrested after police pursuit on Dunedin's Southern Motorway ends in crash

Police at the scene of the crash. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery

Three men have been arrested after a dramatic police pursuit ended in a crash on Dunedin's Southern Motorway this afternoon.

The three were in a vehicle which crashed just before the Green Island overbridge, ending the pursuit.

A police spokeswoman said the pursuit started at 3.09pm.

Moments after the crash. Photo / James Smith

Police said they had identified a person of interest travelling in a car on the motorway.

When it was signalled to stop it sped off and police followed.

A short time later the fleeing vehicle slowed down due to mechanical issues and was then stopped by police.

Police at the scene after the crash. Photo / Vanessa Beck

Police with dogs were now searching through bushes on the side of the motorway as it was believed the occupants threw items out of the car.

Both lanes of the Southern motorway are currently closed and diversions are in place through Stevenson Rd.