A hectic rampage by an SUV in Ōpōtiki on Friday night left multiple vehicles damaged, bystanders running for safety and a driver evading police.

Footage of the incident at the intersection of Church and Kelly streets went viral on social media, amassing more than a million views.

It showed a green SUV similar to a Mitsubishi Pajero speed through the intersection and collide with a parked ute before targeting a red sedan.

The SUV rear ended the red car, then struck it again and pushed it along the road by its rear bumper.

The driver was stopped by a female pedestrian who stood in front of the SUV, which later sped off from the scene.

It appeared that two police vehicles were present, but it was unclear from the edited video what action was taken by officers at the scene.

A police spokesperson said they were called to the incident at 11.10pm on Friday night.

“Our staff are trained to analyse a situation and take the appropriate action to keep themselves and members of the public safe.

“Depending on what is taking place, police may not immediately insert themselves into a situation if it is not safe or appropriate to do so – instead, calling for backup or reinforcements, while gathering further intelligence for staff to then respond in a safe and effective way.”

Police said the vehicle was reported to have also rammed a person before it fled.

There were no significant injuries from the incident, or from disorder at and outside a bar at the intersection.

A police spokesperson said they later located the SUV driving on State Highway 35 and followed from a distance to Hikuwai Reserve, where it was abandoned and the occupants fled on foot.

Police attempted to track the occupants with the assistance of a dog unit, but were unsuccessful.

Enquiries remain ongoing to identify and locate those involved.

Police are appealing for any information that may assist in their investigation.

If you witnessed the incident and have not yet reported it to police, you can contact them via 105 either online or over the phone.

Please reference file number: 241228/8341.