Fleeing driver in Palmerston North leaves officer in critical condition

A police officer is in a critical condition after being hit by a fleeing driver in Palmerston North overnight.

Superintendent Dion Bennett said the driver had been signalled to stop about 2am on Amberley Avenue but allegedly fled.

"Minutes later, the vehicle, which was not being pursued, hit a Police officer laying spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road.

"The officer suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Wellington Hospital, while a second officer was treated for minor injuries."

Bennett said the vehicle's two occupants were both young people and had been arrested at the scene.

A scene examination was carried out by the Serious Crash Unit and a section of the road remains closed.

A Police Critical Incident Investigation had been launched, and police said they are trying to understand the full circumstances of what occurred and notify relevant agencies.

"This work will take time, and we will share information when we are in a position to do so," Bennett said.

"In the meantime, we are wrapping support around the staff members involved and their whānau, as well as their colleagues."