Fleeing teens drive wrong way on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, travel 40km on spiked tyres

Police have arrested six youths after fleeing police, travelling the wrong way on Auckland's Southern Motorway.

Six teens have been arrested after driving the wrong way down Auckland’s Southern Motorway, their vehicle mounting a footpath to evade spikes laid by police.

Police say it is “incredibly fortunate” no one was injured during the dangerous episode, which saw the stolen vehicle travel 40km on spiked tyres.

Counties Manukau West Area response manager Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said the Nissan Terrano was first seen at 1.30am travelling on Plunket Ave in Manukau.

Camera operators tracked the vehicle as it drove to Golflands Dr, Botany, with the police’s Eagle helicopter tracking from above.

Albrey said the car stopped briefly for police on Golflands Dr before it sped off again, mounting the footpath to avoid being spiked.

The group of teens continued south on Te Irirangi Dr, travelling at speed on the wrong side of the road.

“Despite not being pursued, the vehicle entered State Highway 1 heading south and once it reached Drury it has driven the wrong way down the motorway for more than four kilometres,” Albrey said.

The car was eventually spiked at Bombay, but even this did not stop the teens, who drove a further 40km before finally coming to a standstill in Ohinewai, where six people were taken into custody.

“It is incredibly fortunate no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident,” Albrey said.

Five youths, aged between 13-16, have been referred to Youth Aid Services, while a 16-year-old will appear in the Manukau Youth Court.