Three people were seriously injured in Invercargill overnight after a driver fleeing from police collided with another vehicle.
Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie said police had attempted to stop a vehicle around 1.40am on Venus Street in Georgetown, but the driver failed to stop and fled.
Due to the dangerous manner of driving, officers decided not to engage in a pursuit.
Shortly afterward, the fleeing vehicle went through the intersection of Janet and Ness Streets, crashing into another car and damaging a nearby property.
An occupant of the fleeing vehicle was critically injured, and another sustained serious injuries.
One person from the second vehicle also suffered critical injuries, while another had minor injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene, and the road remained closed as staff continued to work.
Police asked motorists to avoid the area unless they were residents.
Police urged anyone who witnessed the crash or had dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward. Information can be provided online or by calling 105, referencing number P060341410.