Just before 10pm on Friday, officers attached to Riverina Police District were called to Ingalba State Forest after reports a group was cutting down trees and breached the Public Health Order.

The men allegedly fled from witnesses in a white Ford Courier before police intercepted the vehicle on Combaning School Road, Combaning.

A pursuit was initiated, then the driver allegedly failed to stop at a railway crossing before turning onto the Burley Griffin Way, losing control and blowing a rear tyre.

The vehicle continued for some time before coming to a stop on Fergusons Road.

Three men aged 17, 20 and 27, were arrested at the scene and taken to Temora Police Station.

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Checks revealed the driver, the 27-year-old man, was disqualified from driving until March 2022.

Further checks indicated the vehicle was bearing number plates that did not match the car, and the vehicle's registration expired in January this year.

The driver was subsequently charged with seven offences, including police pursuit and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period - second or subsequent offence.

He was granted bail and is due to appear at Temora Local Court on Wednesday, September 29.

All three men were issued $1000 PINs for not complying with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 - COVID-19.

The two passengers were released pending further inquiries; however, investigations into the illegal wood cutting continue.

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