Police warn locals

Police are warning people from taking the law into their own hands after a group of angry Prebbleton residents confronted a "young hoon" on Friday night.

The situation almost turned violent after a 19-year-old from Halswell lost control of his car and crashed into a chain fence in Elmwood Dr about 10.40pm.

The car became stuck on a pole and when Constable Herb Inwood arrived a group of residents were arguing with the driver and his two passengers.

Constable Inwood said the situation was heated and when the driver's girlfriend arrived she was shoved by a member of the public.

"It did get a wee bit out of hand," he said.

Constable Inwood warned the angry residents about their behaviour and told them to go away. "[I was] dealing with the crash, disorder and obstruction all at the same time."

He also warned one of the passengers that he could be charged with disorderly behaviour.

"He wasn't obstructing me he was being a clown with the other people that were standing around."

Constable Inwood said the residents calmed down when firefighters arrived to lift the car off the pole.

He said people should know that pushing someone could lead to them being charged with assault.

"Be aware of your actions when it's a heated situation and tempers are high, people are shouting at each other."

People should not take the law into their own hands, said Constable Inwood.

"It's okay to make sure at the scene that no one gets away until we arrive, but when police arrive you can go away," he said.

No one was injured in the accident and Constable Inwood said the driver had not been drinking.

The driver could be charged or receive an infringement notice and could be held liable for the cost of repairs to the fence.