A BOY aged just 14 was arrested on suspicion of stealing a car and leading police on a dangerous, high-speed chase.

The teenager and three friends were arrested after a Toyota Yaris sped away from police in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers were at a petrol station on Ponteland Road, in Newcastle, when the suspicious vehicle suddenly left the forecourt.

They followed the car and signalled for the driver to stop – but they refused and instead sped off.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said, due to the erratic driving, officers temporarily aborted the pursuit, for the safety of the public and the vehicle’s occupants.

A short time later the car, which was later found to have been taken without the owner's consent, was spotted on the A1 near Seaton Burn, driving at high speed and running a number of red lights.

Specially trained officers eventually forced the vehicle to stop in Great Park.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, taking a motor vehicle without consent, driving with no insurance, no licence and failing to stop for police.

Three male passengers, aged 14, 14 and 12, were also arrested and have since been referred to the Youth Offending Team.

Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “It is shocking that four young boys have been arrested in connection with an offence of this nature.

“It is rare for us to detain youngsters in these circumstances and a full investigation is now underway to establish exactly what has happened.

“What we do know is the driving displayed in the early hours of Sunday was truly appalling and could have led to a serious collision.

“Because of the time, the roads were very quiet but the manner of driving could easily have led to the person behind the wheel losing control.

“I am glad that nobody has been injured and I believe a large reason for that was the actions of those officers who pursued the vehicle in question.

“They have shown great judgement and professionalism to bring the vehicle to a safe stop before a serious collision could take place.”

The 14-year-old believed to be behind the wheel was also arrested for breaching bail conditions imposed following an unrelated arrest. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.