Whakatāne police are still investigating a hit and run crash on Christmas Eve in which a pedestrian was seriously injured.

The incident took place on Canning Place in Whakatāne’s central business district at about 10pm.

Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon said it did appear to be a hit and run at this stage involving a pedestrian hit by a vehicle. However, investigations were still under way to determine the exact causes and those involved in that incident.

“Currently, I understand that [the pedestrian] is stable and recovering, but with some fairly serious injuries.

“Police are still pursuing leads in terms of the persons and vehicles involved.”

He urged people to be careful when they were out drinking in town and walking around.

The crash highlighted that Canning Place was not particularly well lit, with a footpath on only one side of the street.

“I’ve driven down there myself previously, and I’ve seen pedestrians walking on the road.”