Four teenagers have been arrested and police are searching for a fifth offender after a car was allegedly stolen in Lake Macquarie before being driven through Dudley and hitting a tree.
Around 4am this morning, police and emergency services responded to a fire at a public reserve at the intersection of Redhead Road and Ocean Street, Dudley.
When they arrived, they found a Toyota RAV4, believed to be stolen, had crashed into a tree and burst into flames.
Witness reports revealed five teenagers had fled the vehicle shortly after the crash, and, with help from the Dog Squad, police tracked down four of the teens nearby.
They were taken to Belmont Police Station, where an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were charged with being carried in conveyance; while a 14-year-old girl was issued a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
A second 14-year-old girl was released without charge, while the Toyota in question was completely destroyed by the blaze.
Anyone with information about the fifth person is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
