Two people have been taken into custody after a vehicle linked to an alleged theft crashed into water in Tauranga.

Police said officers spotted the vehicle on Welcome Bay Rd at 11.30pm last night and tried to stop it after identifying it as being linked to an alleged crime.

The vehicle allegedly sped off immediately, driving dangerously, police said. It refused to stop and police did not chase it.

“Other patrol cars witnessed the driving, and police set up spikes on the end of Maungatapu Bridge to safely bring the car to a stop.”

Police said the driver crashed into the water on the side of the road and two people from the car were taken into custody.

Police inquiries are continuing.