13-year-old arrested after police pursuit

Lower Hutt Police Police arrested a 13yr old boy shortly before 11.00pm Saturday night after a lengthy Police pursuit.

The boy is believed to have stolen his father's work van and was seen by a member of the public who phoned the Police concerned about the manner of driving and the drivers age.

When Police caught up with the van, the boy accelerated away and was subsequently pursued by Police.

The chase was abandoned after the boy turned his lights off and crossed to the incorrect side of the road at high speed.

Another Police patrol saw the van travelling at approximately 140km/h on the Hutt motorway several minutes later.

When the van exited the motorway towards Petone, another Police patrol was able to deploy road spikes, which deflated all four of the vehicle's tyres and caused it to stop.

Police were somewhat surprised to learn the driver was a 13yr old boy and subsequently arrested him for reckless driving and failing to stop for Police.

The boy will be referred to youth aid.