Police have arrested seven youths following a report of vehicle interference on Oxford Street, Lyttelton.

A police spokeswoman said officers were called to the street around 3:30 am.

The offenders had abandoned one stolen vehicle and were attempting to gain entry to another when police arrived.

A resident told chrislynchmedia.com he was woken by shouts of “don’t run, don’t run,” and saw police with dogs chasing down the road.

“Three or more police cars were there for an hour or so, and a small car stopped on the wrong side of the road. Woke everyone up. It was a pretty full police response,” the resident said.

The police spokeswoman said the offenders tried to flee the scene on foot but were apprehended by officers.

Those involved have been referred to Youth Aid.