Police are commending a group of teenagers who helped stop a ''troubled'' 13-year-old Mosgiel boy on a joy ride.
On Tuesday, officers received reports of the teenager driving off in his mother's car following a disagreement.
The boy, who had learning and health difficulties, was a safety concern to the public and himself, police said.
When police found the vehicle at a park several kilometres away, the boy fled on foot into the public gardens.
A group of eight teenagers at a nearby skate park saw police chasing the boy.
They caught up with him behind the library and convinced him to stay there until officers arrived.
The boy was returned to his father without incident.
Sergeant Kevin Davidson, of Mosgiel, said he was impressed the teenagers helped ''of their own volition''.
''He'd been running all around the library, playground, he was a bit like a jackrabbit really.''
The incident could have lasted much longer had they not stepped in, he said.
''Police thank this group for their quick thinking when they saw a chance to help.''
However, he wanted to remind anyone in a similar situation to ensure they were not putting themselves at risk before intervening.
