Teen to appear in court following apparent bus hijacking

A teenager will appear in court today following an apparent bus hijacking in Christchurch late last night.

About 14 passengers were taken on a frightening ride around the city when a man allegedly threatened their bus driver with an imitation gun.

Police Southern Communications Senior Sergeant John Doherty said no one was hurt during the incident which started at 10.40pm when police and the Armed Offenders Squad stopped the bus at 11.50pm in Clarence St near Riccarton Rd. An imitation firearm was seized.

Police and the AOS had monitored the 80 minute drama.

Earlier police said the Christchurch bus driver was made "against his will" to continue driving the bus with the man on board. The driver continued on his normal route.

Last night police Inspector Bob Palmer, of Christchurch police, said some of the passengers had been distressed and shaken by the experience.

An earlier report said police had received reports the Orbiter bus, owned by Leopard Coachlines, had been driving through red lights in the central city.

A convoy of 11 police cars chased the bus through Cashmere, St Martins, Linwood, New Brighton, St Albans, Papanui, Ilam, and Riccarton.

A 17-year-old man is to appear in Christchurch District Court today on firearms and threatening to kill charges.

- NZPA