A man has been arrested after a terrifying carjacking incident last night.

Just before 7PM, it was reported to police that a man with a knife was attempting to steal vehicles near the hospital in Oamaru.

Senior Sergeant Jason Mccoy from Waitaki Police said the 23-year-old offender grabbed a woman out of her vehicle, holding her at knife point, before attempting to take off in her car.

When it failed to start, he has then stolen another woman’s vehicle and driven off.

He was stopped shortly after on Thames Street by a Police officer and taken into custody without incident.

The man will face charges of aggravated robbery, and driving while forbidden.

He is expected to appear in Timaru District Court today, Wednesday 17 April.

Senior Sergeant Mccoy “this would’ve have been a terrifying incident for the two victims, who were fortunately not injured, and they are being supported by police.”

“Police would like to thank the witnesses and members of public that came to the victims aid.

There is no place for this activity in our community, and where it does occur we work hard to hold offenders to account and support those affected.”