Two people have died following a short police pursuit in Christchurch in the early hours of this morning.
The crash occurred at the corner of Cuthberts Road and Breezes Road just after 2.30am, shortly after police had called off a pursuit.
Police had tried to stop the vehicle on Breezes Rd and had pursued it for less than a minute when the driver failed to stop.
They called off the chase due to the dangerous nature of the driving.
Less than a minute after the abandonment of the pursuit, the vehicle was found crashed.
No other vehicles were involved with two – including the driver - of the three occupants dying at the scene. A third person received treatment on moderate injuries.
"The crash was a tragic outcome that nobody wants, police encourage any driver who is signalled to stop by police to do just that," Canterbury Metro Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said.
"It is not worth putting your life, your passenger’s life, or anyone else’s life at risk."
A full investigation into the circumstances of the crash has begun and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
The area around the crash scene is closed and diversions are in place with motorists asked to avoid the area.
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