Horse dies after float driver allegedly fails to stop for police in Hamilton, rams patrol car

A driver of a horse float in Waikato has been taken into custody after allegedly failing to stop for police. 

The horse float was carrying two horses, with one dying after the incident last night in Hamilton. 

Senior Sergeant Philip Ruddell said in a statement lights were used to signal the driver to pull over, however the driver allegedly "chose not to stop" and a police vehicle was said to be rammed. 

Spikes were used, and the vehicle and float stopped. 

Senior Sergeant Ruddell said one of the horses was badly injured. 

"The injured horse was freed from the horse float, but a short time later died."

The driver was arrested on a number of driving charges and may face further charges relating to the horses.