The two men who died in Friday's Te Puke crash following a police pursuit have been named. Both were from Levin. The vehicle was reported stolen from there early Wednesday.

The vehicle in which the two young men died.

The deceased are: Michael Adam Kaui Keepa (25 years) and Harley Kendrick Sean Wilson (21) both of Levin. Their next of kin have been informed and they were formally identified on Saturday.

The men fled from police in two separate pursuits between Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke just after 5am Friday morning.

Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says Police have alo confirmed that the SUV involved had been stolen from Levin in the early hours of Wednesday 6 October.

Inspector Clement says there are two investigations underway into the incident.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the car travelling between Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke early yesterday morning.

"The car has travelled some distance and there will be a number of people who saw this vehicle, as well as the police vehicles when they were involved.

"It's absolutely vital that we have as much information as possible to contribute to those investigations."

Inspector Clement says the car is a blue 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf. He says the initial pursuit started in Mount Maunganui at 5.16am. The crash in Te Puke was at 5.34.

Inspector Clement says members of the public are asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.