Police warn Queenstown suspect is dangerous

Police hunting a man who fled from a stolen car after a pursuit in Queenstown yesterday have warned he is dangerous and should not be approached.

Tony Ashley Gorrie (41) sparked a chase yesterday morning after failing to stop when police spotted him driving a blue 1992 Subaru Impreza.

Officers used road spikes to slow the car near the Queenstown CBD and Gorrie then abandoned it and fled on foot.

Police have now issued an arrest warrant for Gorrie for breaching prison release conditions. He is not thought to have any contacts in the Wakatipu basin and may have already left the area, police said today.

Gorrie is 185cm tall and of medium to solid build and has been convicted of backpacker hostel thefts from Queenstown and other hostels around the country.

Police are urging anyone who sees Gorrie to call 111.