Canterbury Police have confirmed that Yaldhurst Road will remain closed between Pound Road and Russley Road for at least another two hours while the scene is cleared after a fleeing vehicle crashed shortly before 5pm.

Superintendent Gary Knowles, Canterbury Police District Commander, said 'A Police pursuit of a silver BMW started at approximately 4.45pm after the BMW backed into another vehicle at the junction of Wairakei Road and Johns Road.

"The vehicle is likely to have a broken headlight and we urge the driver or any witnesses to this crash to contact us.

'The pursuit has then continued through some residential streets to an armed road block on Yaldhurst Road where the fleeing car is reported to have crashed into a number of Police vehicles and rammed its way onto Yaldhurst Road heading west-bound."

A Police officer sustained minor injuries when he has is reported to have been thrown onto the bonnet of one of the police vehicles the BMW has rammed.

Superintendent Knowles explains 'The pursuit was resumed as the fleeing car travelled west-bound through an intersection on Yaldhurst Road.

"The driver of the BMW is reported to have crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into a silver Honda Jazz travelling east-bound at approximately 5pm.”

Three people in the fleeing BMW were cut free by the Fire Service. The two passengers are being treated in Christchurch Hospital and are under Police guard.

The driver of the BMW is in Police custody. The three elderly occupants of the Honda Jazz have been taken to Christchurch Hospital and are reported to be in a serious condition.

'Police are currently undertaking a criminal investigation and have referred the pursuit/crash to the IPCA.

No further comment will be made by Police at this time.” said Superintendent Knowles.

Anyone who witnessed the crash on Yaldhurst Road or the silver BMW reversing into another car on the corner of Wairakei Road and Johns Road is asked to contact Police on 03 363 7807.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: New Zealand Police.