A police car has been stolen following a serious crash in the Bay of Plenty.

Emergency services were notified of a two car crash on State Highway 38 in the Kaingaroa Forest at 8.30am.

Two people were seriously injured in the crash, says a police spokesperson.

'A third person involved in the crash became aggressive with ambulance staff and attempted to leave the scene.

'Police tried to restrain the man, however he was able to get into a police car and drive away, heading towards Murupara.

'The man subsequently crashed the police car near McKee Road.”

Police say the man did not suffer serious injuries in the crash and has been taken into custody.

'He will likely face a number of charges.”