Dangerous driver’s car bursts into flames after failing to stop for police in North Canterbury

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 26, 2026 8:22 pm |
Police / night / file

A police chase has ended with the driver’s car bursting into flames north of Culverden.

The pursuit initially began on Lawcocks Road near Amberley about 3.30pm, after police received a report of dangerous driving.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com they received multiple calls from the public reporting a vehicle speeding, veering across lanes and accelerating and braking erratically.

Officers monitored the vehicle from a distance but abandoned a pursuit because of the manner of driving.

The vehicle was spiked and came to a stop on Mouse Point Road, just north of Culverden, which police blocked to keep the public safe.

The car then caught fire, with Fire and Emergency staff supporting at the scene.

A police dog unit was deployed when the driver tried to flee, and an arrest was made.

The driver was treated at the scene by ambulance staff for injuries caused by a police dog, and is facing dangerous driving charges.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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