A Christchurch driver says she was nearly hit head on by a car travelling at extreme speed during a police pursuit linked to a report of a man with a possible firearm.

Inspector Paul Reeves, Metro Area Response Manager, told ChrisLynchMedia.com police were called to Glynne Crescent in Spreydon at about 5.20pm after receiving a report of a man running from a house with what may have been a firearm.

The man left the area in a white car and was followed by police. Reeves said officers signalled for the driver to stop, but he continued driving dangerously through Christchurch.

A pursuit was briefly initiated before being abandoned because of the manner of driving. “At times, the offender was driving on the wrong side of the road, and at excessively high speeds, endangering the public,” Reeves said.

An eyewitness told ChrisLynchMedia.com she was driving south on Lyttelton Street shortly after 5.30pm when the white car suddenly came towards her.

“It crossed the centre of the road towards me, and I was still nearly hit despite swerving to the left. It seemed to be travelling well over 100 km/h.”

She said three police cars passed moments later. “It left me very shaken because it was so unexpected on a residential street, and the car came so close to hitting me at such high speed.”

Police later received a report that the car had been abandoned on Rattray Street. Reeves said a man was seen jumping a fence and running from the area.

The eyewitness said she wanted to know whether the driver would face charges over the incident.

“I really hope the pursuit did not end tragically for any innocent people.”

Police are continuing inquiries to locate him.