Armed man has police on alert

Police will hunt into the night for a man who disappeared into the bush after leading officers on a car chase in the Waikato.

Te Morehu Enoka, 27, led a pursuit after he drove off without paying from the Mobil petrol station in Tokoroa on Wednesday morning.

Police chased Enoka, armed and in a stolen vehicle, south down SH1 and on to forestry roads.

He then abandoned the vehicle, running into the bush.

Armed offenders squad, dogs and the police helicopter were trying to hunt down the man.

Senior sergeant Tony Jeurissen said extra patrols would work thorough the night.

Earlier, State Highway 30 was closed between State Highway One and Whakamaru as police searched. Jeurissen said a heavy police presence will be maintained in Mangakino and Whakamaru, thought the possibility Enoka was no longer in the area was being considered.

Police were asking the public not to pick up hitchhikers in the area, and not to approach the Enoka if he was seen.

Taupo District Council Mayor David Trewavas said residents needed to stay safe and stay indoors.

‘‘They’ve got Mangakino pretty well cordoned off. It’s not an ideal situation going into the night, but police have assured me that all resources are going into the area.’’