Fleeing driver crashes at Matariki celebration, officer injured

A police officer has been injured after attempting to arrest a fleeing driver who had hit a vehicle at a Matariki celebration in Shannon this afternoon.

One man has been arrested and the injured police officer is receiving medical attention after the incident.

Police said a stolen vehicle was spotted in Foxton shortly before 12.30pm today, but the vehicle was not pursued.

Road spikes were then used in Shannon and while the driver avoided them, their vehicle hit several parked vehicles a short distance away.

It then crashed into a stationary vehicle in the middle of Grey Street, where locals were celebrating Matariki.

The officer was injured in the head while attempting to apprehend the driver.

Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson said the community was in shock following the incident.

She said elements of the Matariki celebration could not go ahead due to the incident.