Driver flees on foot after police chase

Five Tararua police officers were involved in the high-speed chase of a stolen vehicle on Tuesday.

"The chase began early on Tuesday morning on Fergusson St in Woodville after the driver failed to stop when signalled to do so by police," Sergeant Tony Le Sueur of the Dannevirke police said.

Officers had became suspicious of the vehicle because it had a smashed window.

They had then pursued the fleeing driver of the Toyota Corolla along Sowry Rd, McLean St and down Oxford Rd where, at times, the vehicle had reached speeds up to 120km/h.

"People were put at unnecessary risk," Mr Le Sueur said.

At the top of Saddle Rd the car had slowed to let out two rear-seat passengers who were picked up by police and taken into custody.

"One has been charged with possession of cannabis and inquiries are continuing into both passengers' involvement," he said.

A road block was set up and spikes laid on the Ashhurst side of the Saddle.

However, before reaching the site the driver had abandoned the car and run off across farmland, Mr Le Sueur said.

"The driver was tracked by a police dog and handler, but was not located," he said.

"However, he's known to us and it's only a matter of time before we catch up with him."

Mr Le Sueur said the car involved had been reported stolen from Palmerston North last month.