A Rotorua man in his 20s has critical head injuries after crashing his car while fleeing police.
Police said they tried to stop the speeding car on Ford Road about 10.50pm on Thursday.
When the driver didn't stop, they chased him.
Road spikes were set up, but before they could be effective, the driver crashed into a tree on Malfroy Rd.
The man was the only person in the car and he suffered critical head injuries.
He was flown to Waikato Hospital.
Police are investigating the crash and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified.
