Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

One person was injured after an accident in the Waterview Tunnel on the Southwestern Highway while fleeing from police.

Inspector Juliet Burgess, Tamaki Makaurau road policing manager, said police responded to reports of a motorcycle traveling on the wrong side of the road, in the northbound lane of the Southwestern Highway near Walmsley, shortly before 2 p.m.

The police signaled for the motorcycle to stop, but it did not do so and fled from the officers.

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

A southbound lane in the Waterview Tunnel was blocked while emergency services attended and the Serious Accident Unit carried out an examination of the scene.

All lanes have reopened, but there is still congestion; Police have warned drivers to expect delays on the Southwestern Highway and the surrounding road network.

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