Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:
One person has died following a crash in Pukekohe this afternoon.
Police were looking for a stolen motorbike in the Pukekohe area when a unit observed the bike travelling along Helvetia Road at about 12.20pm.
The Police unit has performed a U-turn in an attempt to signal for the vehicle to stop, however before they have activated their lights and sirens the motorbike has accelerated off at speed.
The officer has then lost sight of the vehicle.
A short time later, another Police unit patrolling the area has located the bike crashed on McShane Street.
Sadly, the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A scene examination is underway by the Serious Crash Unit and the road remains closed.
There is now an investigation underway, which will work to establish all the facts surrounding this tragic incident.
This includes notifying the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as is standard procedure.
We are also working to support those affected and their families as well as our staff who were involved.
As part of our investigation, we are seeking information from witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or prior to this incident occurring.
If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.
Please use reference job number P063348335.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police