Three people died early yesterday in a crash on State Highway 6 near Hope in New Zealand when a driver attempted to flee from police. Police had attempted to stop a vehicle while conducting enquiries to locate a wanted person when the driver fled.

The driver crashed into another vehicle while attempting to overtake a truck, police said.

Two people in the fleeing car died along with a member of the public.

Police said they were currently working to notify and support next of kin, as well as supporting staff involved.