Photo: 123RF
Police have charged an Auckland man with manslaughter, after an investigation into an incident that occurred while illegal street racing was taking place.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, who is the area investigations manager for Counties Manukau East CIB, said inquiries began after an incident around 11pm on 19 May.
It occurred at the intersection of Bruce Roderick and Offenhauser Drives in East Tāmaki.
Around this time a vehicle that was allegedly involved in the illegal street racing struck a spectator, who was pregnant.
"The woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition and emergency surgical procedures were required to be carried out," Detective Senior Sergeant Batey said.
"Tragically, the baby girl did not even survive the day and succumbed to her catastrophic injuries."
The 22-year-old driver was already before the Manukau District Court facing several driving offences, Batey said.
"Today, police have now laid an additional charge of manslaughter against this man."
Batey said both the police and communities were concerned by illegal street racing.
"Time-and-time again, police have issued warnings to those taking part in this illegal activity about the risks they are posing to themselves and others.
"This also extends to the spectators who are enabling this behaviour."
Officers would still like to hear from witnesses who were at the scene, including those who were filming proceedings.
Police have set up an online portal for eyewitnesses to upload any photos or video.
Information can also be provided via the police's 105 phone service, quoting file number 230520/3570, or by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.