Five youths have been apprehended and are facing charges in connection with serious offences committed over the past 48 hours.

Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said that around 5pm, police were called to Linwood Avenue following a report of a group of young people stealing a vehicle.

“Units immediately responded and identified that the suspects were wanted for a number of offences, including a vehicle theft in Wigram, several instances of threatening members of the public, allegedly intending to rob them, as well as a burglary,” said Todd.

Although police lost sight of the vehicle, around 5.45pm they were notified of another vehicle theft on Port Hills Road in Hillsborough, where officers identified the same group of suspects. The earlier vehicle was found abandoned.

Police monitored the second vehicle, aided by a private helicopter contracted to assist.

“While police were positioning to stop the vehicle, it was seen driving dangerously multiple times around the city before being abandoned on Lichfield Street, where the group fled on foot,” Todd added.

The youths were apprehended shortly after and taken into custody.

Earlier, Todd told chrislynchmedia.com that one of the offenders was under the age of 14.

An eyewitness said, “One kid gave up and was arrested, while two others ran through apartment buildings between Hereford and Cashel Streets.”

The stolen vehicle had been involved in multiple dangerous driving incidents across Christchurch throughout the afternoon and evening.

According to the witness, one of the youths arrested wasn’t wearing shoes, while another had blood on their face and a ripped shirt.

It is understood that the stolen vehicle mounted several footpaths, sideswiped cars, and drove on the wrong side of the road while attempting to evade police.

Several motorists reported seeing the vehicle speed through multiple red lights.

Charges are now being considered for a range of alleged offences.