Please attribute to Hawke’s Bay Acting Area Commander Inspector Jeanette Park:

At about 9.40pm yesterday Police located a vehicle of interest heading south on State Highway 5 at Eskdale.

Police had concerns for the person thought to be driving the vehicle and had been attempting to locate him most of the day.

The man failed to stop when signalled and, due to the manner of driving, a pursuit was initiated.

After a short period of time the vehicle crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming truck.

The driver of that vehicle — a silver Mitsubishi stationwagon — died at the scene.

The man’s next-of-kin have been notified.

On behalf of Police, I would like to extend sympathies and sincere condolences to his family and friends.

An outcome like this is the last thing anyone wants to see.

Police conduct a constant risk assessment during events of this nature, which are inherently fast-moving and unpredictable.

The circumstances surrounding the pursuit and the crash are being investigated so I am unable to release further details, but I can assure you this event will be investigated thoroughly, both by Police and by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police will release the name of the driver as soon as possible.

The truck driver was not injured.

ENDS

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