Four men aged 15, 17, 18 and 20-years-old, have been arrested following a car-jacking in central New Plymouth last night.
Police were called around 8:00pm to the intersection of Rainsford and St Aubyn Streets, after it was reported that the men had pulled a 72-year-old woman and her 48-year-old daughter from the vehicle and stolen it.
A pursuit was initiated after the vehicle was located and failed to stop near Oakura.
The vehicle was pursued along Surf Highway 45 and the vehicle was slowed by road spikes about 40km away near Pungarehu.
The pursuit ended when the driver finally stopped at Rahotu, 16km north of Opunake.
Four police cars were damaged by the offending vehicle during the pursuit.
"We are continuing to provide support to the two victims, who were very shaken by what happened," said Detective Constable Anthony Temple.
They suffered abrasions and cuts and were taken to hospital and later discharged.
The offenders appeared in court this morning.
Investigations into the incident continue and police are asking for any witnesses with information to call New Plymouth Police on (06) 759 5500.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre