The Police Watchdog's found officers breached policy, contributing to a fleeing driver's fatal crash in South Auckland

A man last year drove away at speed - after being stopped by Police in Manukau.

Another unit then took up pursuit, which is against policy.

Two other nearby officers then set up road spikes to try stop the car - but didn't inform the Communication team of their plan.

When an officer stepped out to throw the spikes on the road, the driver swerved and struck a tree.

He died at the scene and his passenger was seriously injured.