POLICE say they found a 13-year-old behind the wheel of Mercedes which had been reported stolen in the early hours of today.

Traffic police pursued the car through Atherton at around 4am.

They said they were shocked to find not only was the driver 13-years-old but a friend of the owner's 14-year-old daughter.

Officers say they were both taken to the police station.

Posting on Twitter, GMP Traffic said: "Merc reported as stolen just moments earlier was recovered following short pursuit with #GMPSCIU #traffic through Atherton. To our shock the driver was a 13yr friend of owners 14yr daughter both of whom had taken it out at 4am for a "ride"!! Both are #nowincustody."