Canterbury Police were contacted by concerned members of the public just before 5.45pm tonight (8 February 2015) regarding erratic driving in a residential street in Hornby where a number of vehicles are reported to have been damaged.
When Police arrived at the scene the driver fled in her vehicle, a black Ford Explorer. Police pursued the driver but abandoned the pursuit a short time later due to the manner of her driving. A search phase was conducted and the vehicle was relocated. A second pursuit was initiated however this was also abandoned due to the manner of her driving.
Approximately five minutes after the second pursuit was abandoned the fleeing vehicle appears to have carried straight on at a right-hand bend in Centaurus Road and down a steep incline where the vehicle has come to a stop.
Canterbury Police and emergency services attended the crash scene in Hillsborough shortly after 6pm tonight. The 33 year old driver was assisted from her vehicle and taken to Christchurch Hospital where she is understood to be in a serious condition.
Police investigations into the crash are continuing.
Canterbury Police are appealing for anyone who saw the black Ford Explorer as it travelled from Hornby (shortly before 5.45pm) and along the motorway, Brougham Street, Colombo Street and east towards Cashmere before it crashed shortly after 6pm on Centaurus Road to contact them.
Anyone who can provide information or sightings of the black Ford Explorer before it crashed are asked to call 03 363 7400 option 5.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
No further information will be released tonight.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404