Update August 19: Police have identified the two people they wanted to speak with and have confirmed they were not involved in the incident. The ute had been previously stolen and had false plates on it.
Police are asking for the public's help in the wake of a major gathering of "anti-social road users" in Hamilton last night.
The large crowd "became increasingly hostile" towards officers, a police spokesperson said.
Four police vehicles were rammed and damaged, the spokesperson added – and photos of two people have been released, with police appealing for the public's help to identify them.
"Any offending identified will be followed up by our investigation team and appropriate enforcement action will be taken."
The incident began when police were called to a "a large gathering of cars and people" at the intersection of Horotiu Rd and Great South Rd at about 2.15am this morning.
"Attending staff initially dispersed the crowds and the vehicles moved on to converge near The Base in Northgate," police said.
"The crowd became increasingly hostile to staff deployed to police the event and officers were put at serious risk due to the violent behaviour of many of those involved.
"In one instance, a vehicle allegedly reversed at speed towards a police car, in which staff were standing in front of.
"Police would like to locate a vehicle of interest, shown in the images attached, and to identify and speak with the two persons in the images, to assist us with our enquiries into this incident.
"These images were captured prior to last night's events."
The spokesperson said it was fortunate no officers were injured.
The behaviour was dangerous, they added.
"Four police vehicles were damaged having been rammed by the anti-social road users.
"Police are committed to disrupting this activity by breaking it up when it occurs and holding offenders to account.
"However, this is an example of how incredibly dangerous these situations can become.
"Anyone who has information on illegal or unsafe activity to report this to police via 105 with as much detail as possible."
Anyone with dashcam or video footage of the incident was also urged to contact police.
A St John spokesperson said they were notified of the incident but not required.
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