A man has been arrested in relation to the theft of a police car in Christchurch on Saturday morning.

The vehicle was taken during an incident in Hoon Hay about 7.50am, and found abandoned in St Albans about 8.05am.

The man stole the police dog handler’s car after he was bitten by a police dog. He stole the officer’s ID card and a petrol card.

A police spokesperson said a number of search warrants were executed this morning in relation to the matter, and a 28-year-old man has been arrested.

He will now face a number of charges and will be put before the court in due course. 

The incident will be subject to a District review.

After the man stole the police car, two patrol cars crashed in Riccarton while chasing the offender.