A car has crashed straight into police following a pursuit in Northland early this morning.

Two police cars tried to stop the car in Whangarei after officers thought it was speeding.

The pursuit lasted eight minutes before the fleeing driver turned directly into the path of one of the police cars on Otaika Rd at about 2am.

The driver being chased was thrown from the car and is in a critical condition.

Two police officers received minor injuries.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is being notified.