Three people are in a serious condition after a car crashed near Taupo trying to avoid road spikes laid by the police.
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The crash happened on State Highway 5, near Centennial Drive, early this afternoon.
A vehicle stolen in Napier overnight was spotted by Taupo police and a short pursuit began, but it was abandoned due to fog.
The car was spotted again and road spikes were deployed.
The occupants had to be cut from the vehicle by the Fire Service.
A crash investigation is underway and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.