Police are asking members of the public in the Lake Rotoraira area to be on the lookout today as we work to locate the occupants of a vehicle after an incident overnight.

A Police dog handler is currently working to track the occupants, who had been travelling in a vehicle stolen in the Rangitikei district last night. The occupants fled from Police on the desert road earlier this morning.

This vehicle has now been recovered by Police near Lake Rotoraira on the Volcanic Loop Highway (SH46).

We are asking local residents to be aware and report any suspicious activity in the area to Police. We are also asking motorists to notify Police of any hitchhikers seen or picked up in the vicinity.

The vehicle is currently being forensically examined and other enquiries are being made to establish the identity of those involved.

Police hold concerns for anyone fleeing into this area who may be unprepared for the elements, and without food and the appropriate clothing.

If anyone has any information that may assist, please call Police on 105.

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