Police pull over alleged drink driver, 14

File photo / Martin Sykes

A 14-year-old boy had to be restrained with handcuffs after he was caught allegedly drink driving in Hamilton early yesterday morning.

The boy came to the attention of police after an officer saw him lose control on Bridge Street, Inspector Leo Tooman said.

"The car was pulled over outside the Police Station and the officer was surprised to find the driver was only 14-years-old and appeared to have been drinking."

The boy blew 540mcg - almost three times legal youth limit of 150mcg and over the adult limit of 400mcg per litre of breath, Mr Tooman said.

The boy became abusive and uncooperative while he was being processed and had to be handcuffed.

Mr Tooman said the boy had a 20-year-old friend in the car, which belonged to one of the 14-year-old's relatives.

Police understood the car had been taken without the owner's knowledge, he said.

The boy has been referred to Youth Aid and police will consider whether charges should be laid against him once the results of his blood alcohol test are known.

- NZPA