Speeding teenagers a fright on Halloween

File Photo / NZ Herald

People celebrating Halloween tried in vain to stop a teenager dangerously speeding away from police across busy city streets.

Police say it was lucky no one was killed after a 15-year-old in a stolen car led them on a chase through West Auckland last Sunday, including through a street full of trick-or-treaters.

Police were alerted to the youth and his 15-year-old passenger after they allegedly drove off without paying for petrol at the Shell station near the Westgate shopping centre in Massey.

Four minutes later, a patrol car spotted the car on Edmonton Rd in Henderson - about 9km away.

They were allegedly travelling at speeds of up to 85k/hm in a 50km/h zone.

Police said the youth sped through an intersection of Te Atatu Rd, running a red light.

"It's horrendously busy there. There were trucks and buses going past. He's lucky he didn't cark it; everyone saw him and stopped, thank God," an officer said.

Police followed the youth to McLeod Rd in Te Atatu.

"There were trick-or-treaters out on the street, they were waving at him trying to get him to stop. One guy threw water at the car and another took a swing at it with rake."

Soon after, the youth lost control of the vehicle and spun out while trying to turn a corner.

He got out of the car and ran off but police caught him seconds later.

Both teenagers have been referred to Youth Aid.