A motorist first at the scene of a crash in New Brighton involving youths has described what he saw.

A police spokeswoman said officers attempted to pull over a vehicle of interest near Linwood Ave about 2.40am.

The vehicle failed to stop and fled.

“A pursuit was initiated however it was abandoned due to the manner of driving.”

The vehicle was located a short time later having crashed at the intersection of Anzac Drive and New Brighton Road.

A motorist first on the scene said as he arrived, the two youths were trying to get out of their car.

“It was on its roof and I rushed to see if everyone was ok.

Then I saw a boy stumbling out who could barely walk with blood dripping down his face.

“From there I was just trying to keep him awake until police arrived.

“The boy told me he was just 13 years old.

The officers thanked me for helping, but honestly I was just trying to save a life.”

A St John spokesman said ambulance officers treated and transported two patients, in a moderate condition, to Christchurch Hospital. 

The two youth offenders will be referred to Youth Services the police spokeswoman said.