Two police officers have escaped serious injury after their stationary, fully-marked vehicle was struck by a car that was being pursued near Newcastle.
Police were patrolling Nelson Bay Road at Bobs Farm just before 1am on Sunday when they saw a Toyota Corolla travelling faster than the legal speed limit.
Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply and a pursuit began.
Police followed the Corolla through Williamtown and Tomago towards Hexham, where road spikes were successfully used north of Hexham Bridge.
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The car continued across the bridge and hit a stationary Newcastle Highway Patrol vehicle.
The two officers inside the police car sustained soft tissue injuries when the airbags activated, police said on Monday.
The Corolla crashed into a chain-wire fence nearby and three people were arrested.
Paramedics treated the officers at the scene.
The driver, a 19-year-old Cessnock man, was charged with being involved in a police pursuit - not stopping while driving at speed - drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive while licence cancelled, possess prohibited drug (Methamphetamine), and not give particulars to other driver.
Police also executed four outstanding warrants relating to offences including assault, damage property, fraud, contravene AVO, reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
