The young person who escaped from a youth justice facility in Rolleston has been located by police.

ChrisLynchMedia.com understands the youth was spotted driving a stolen vehicle at high speed on the southern motorway, including on the wrong side of the road, on Sunday morning.

Earlier, the youth’s mother told ChrisLynchMedia.com her son absconded from Te Puna Wai in Rolleston at about 11.30am and she was worried about his mental health.

It’s understood the youth stole a vehicle in St Albans last night, prompting a police operation.

The young person was able to drive across multiple Christchurch suburbs, on the wrong side of the road for nearly a hour.

The Eagle helicopter assisted police ground staff to track the offender, who was later found hiding inside a property in New Brighton early on Sunday morning.

Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Manager Dean Winter said Oranga Tamariki can confirm the young person who absconded from a youth justice residence near Christchurch has been found.

“I am unable to provide any further details as the matter is before the Youth Court,” Winter said.

“We will be conducting a review to determine how this incident occurred.”

A police spokesperson said the youth was due to appear in Youth Court tomorrow.