There's been a fatal crash after a Police chase in South Auckland

Police signalled a vehicle to stop just before midnight, after being seen with stolen plates in Papatoetoe.

The vehicle stopped and the driver spoke to officers before speeding off.

Police were in pursuit when the vehicle swerved and crashed into a tree on Lambie Drive.

The driver died at the scene and the passenger was trapped in the vehicle and freed by first responders.

They are now in hospital with critical injuries.