Motorcyclist seriously injured in Waterview Tunnel incident

One person has been injured following a crash in the Waterview Tunnel, on the Southwestern Motorway while fleeing police.

Tāmaki Makaurau road policing manager Inspector Juliet Burgess said police responded to reports of a motorcycle riding on the wrong side of the road, in the northbound lane of the Southwestern Motorway near Walmsley shortly before 2pm.

Police signalled for the motorcycle to stop but it failed to do so and instead fled from officers.

A short time later the motorcycle collided with a police vehicle in the tunnel, and the motorcyclist was transported to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition.

One southbound lane in Waterview Tunnel was blocked while emergency services attended, and the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

All lanes have now reopened but there is still congestion, police have advised motorists to expect delays on the Southwestern Motorway and surrounding roading network.

The crash has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.