Police have taken six youths into custody after they failed to stop for officers in Christchurch earlier this morning.

A police spokeswoman said at 5am a stolen vehicle was signalled to stop by police.

Instead it fled from police on Halswell Road.

The vehicle was pursued around the Hoon Hay, Halswell and Aidenfield and spiked on Hendersons Road.

The occupants then abandoned the vehicle on Hoonhay Road.

Five of the occupants were arrested at the scene and a police dog tracked was used to locate the sixth occupant who fled on foot through properties in the area.

They were found a short time later and taken into custody.

The vehicle has been recovered by police and an examination is due to take place.

Five of the youths were referred to youth aid.

A 15-year-old is due to appear in Christchurch Youth Court this morning on various driving related charges.