Police are searching for a motorist described as driving like a “nutcase” between Washdyke and Christchurch this morning.

An eyewitness said the car was possibly a red or maroon older model Falcon or Commodore.

“He was driving like a complete nutcase at high speed in the oncoming traffic passing lanes on Washdyke/Seadown SH1 at 8:15 a.m. this morning, driving through roadworks, splintering road cones, and passing school buses.

“Police were in pursuit but at a much more sedate pace than he was going. It was very frightening,” the witness said.

A police spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media they received a number of reports regarding a vehicle travelling north on State Highway 1 due to its manner of driving between 8:05 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.

“The vehicle was reported to be tailgating, speeding, and overtaking other motorists while it traveled from Washdyke towards Christchurch.

“Police were unable to locate the vehicle and it was not pursued at any point.”

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the vehicle and identify the driver, the police spokesperson said.