Police from Wagga Wagga are appealing for public assistance to help them locate several youths who were allegedly involved in several traffic incidents earlier today.

About 7.30am today (Friday 1 January 2016), Police at Wagga Wagga Local Area Command received reports that a stolen red Toyota Corolla had nearly run down a cyclist on Ashmont Avenue at Ashmont after it crossed to the wrong side of the road.

Shortly after police were advised that a passenger in the same vehicle had also attempted to grab the backpack of a cyclist on Ashmont Avenue, Ashmont.

The vehicle followed the rider who eventually escaped to a nearby service station to report the incident.

The vehicle was located by Highway Patrol officers and general duties police a short distance away in Bardia Street.

After it failed to stop as directed by the officers a pursuit commenced. The pursuit was stopped and then recommenced several times due to the reckless manner in which the stolen car was being driven.

The officers were able to identify the 15-year-old Ashmont youth driving the Toyota which had three other people in it.

The vehicle was abandoned about 8am in Callaghan Street and two youths aged 13 and 17 were arrested nearby.

Their details were obtained and they were released pending further inquiries while the Toyota was seized for forensic testing. The second cyclist’s backpack will also undergo forensic examination.

Police have appealed to the community for information about any other incidents involving the stolen car or its occupants to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Wagga Wagga Police or Crime Stoppers.