A youth has been arrested following a terrifying carjacking in New Brighton overnight.

A police spokeswoman told ChrisLynchMedia.com that at around 12.30am on Saturday, officers were called to Marriotts Road after a person was threatened and their vehicle was stolen.

The victim was not injured but was left understandably shaken.

Police located the vehicle shortly after the incident and signalled for it to stop, but the driver fled, prompting a pursuit.

The vehicle was abandoned a short time later, and the offender ran from the scene on foot.

Police said the youth was found soon after and taken into custody without further incident.

They are due to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court facing multiple charges.