A police watchdog has been alerted after a person was killed while a driver was allegedly fleeing police in Auckland

They say a speeding car failed to stop when signalled just after 2pm yesterday, and collided with two cars on Great South Road in Penrose.

Police say one person from one of the other vehicles died at the scene while two others are critically hurt - including the driver accused of evading officers.

They say a fourth person was in a moderate condition.

A Critical Incident Investigation has been launched, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.