A 26-year-old man is dead following a single-vehicle crash in New Harbour last night.

The RCMP were first called about a possible impaired driver in nearby South Dildo, north of Whitbourne.

When they tried to pull over the vehicle, it sped away, with officers choosing not to chase in the interest of public safety.

A short time later they found the vehicle, which had crashed in a ditch and was abandoned. They believe the driver then stole a car from someone who had stopped to help.

Police were still searching for the suspect when they received a report of a crash involving the stolen car at the New Harbour Bridge.

The driver, who was identified as the same man sought earlier in the night, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The RCMP is being assisted with the investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.