Driver who reversed into, then fled police was in unregistered BMW with stolen plates

Police have offered their condolences to the family of the driver who died following a pursuit in New Plymouth where the fugitive reversed into police in the early hours of this morning.

The driver of a BMW hatchback was spotted speeding on Junction Street at 12.30am by a police dog patrol, who attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the car failed to stop, police began a chase that lasted a few minutes until the vehicle reversed into the police car, leaving the officers unable to drive further.

The BMW sped off and was found a short time later having crashed into a power pole and brought down power lines.

Once police were able to access the vehicle, the driver was declared dead at the scene.

Superintendent Sue Schwalger, Central District Commander said the death was sad.

"The last thing any police officer wants to have happen when they are on shift is for any incident to end in a fatality," Ms Schwalger said.

"However, it is a sad fact that sometimes they do."

Superintendent Schwalger said police had to find a balance between ensuring public safety and upholding the law in every situation.

"Our staff always assess the risk of whether or not to pursue a driver who fails to stop for police, and continue to monitor risk factors throughout.

"We take these decisions very seriously, and need to maintain a balance between ensuring public safety, and upholding the law."

Police inquiries had identified that the BMW’s licence plates had been stolen from a vehicle in Napier yesterday.

It appears that the BMW was not registered.

A Police Serious Crash investigation into the crash is underway as is an internal police investigation.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified.