Teenagers hold man at knifepoint in motel bed before dramatic police chase in stolen car through Moree

A sleeping man was awoken by a teenager in his motel room who held him at knifepoint before stealing his Mercedes.

The terrified man alerted police and emergency services who later initiated a dramatic pursuit before arresting two teenagers in the NSW town of Moree.

The teenage boys will face court following the alleged break-and-enter and a police pursuit involving police from the Operation Regional Mongoose squad in the states’ north-west.

Just after 2.40am on Friday, police were called to the motel on Warialda Street, following reports of an alleged break-and-enter.

Officers attached to the New England Police District were told a 58-year-old man was asleep in his room before an unknown male – with a knife – allegedly entered the room and took a vehicle key and other belongings.

He left the scene in a Mercedes sedan which belongs to the 58-year-old man.

A short time later police sighted the sedan on Greenbah Road, Moree, when they attempted to stop the vehicle.

When it failed to stop a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through multiple streets in Moree before road spikes were successfully deployed on Mehi Crescent.

The occupants of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene and following a foot pursuit, police arrested two teenage boys – both aged 16 a short distance away.

Operation Regional Mongoose is a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime, committed predominately by young offenders.

The pair were taken to Moree Police Station where they were both charged with aggravated break and enter and committing serious indictable offence – armed, and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of the owner.

They were refused bail to appear at Children’s Court on Friday.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Investigations under Operation Regional Mongoose continue.