NSW Police are investigating if the death of a 12-year-old Wollongong boy is linked to a social media Tik Tok craze encouraging children as young as 10 to lure police into pursuits.

A stolen black Holden Barina crashed into a traffic light at Towradgi in the early hours of Tuesday morning, half an hour before the boy was dropped at a friend’s house by a silver car.

When police attended the crash scene they found nobody was in the wrecked car.

Thirty minutes later emergency services were called to a home in Balgownie, in response to reports a 12-year-old boy had significant injuries.

The boy was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Detective Acting Inspector Jason Hogan told reporters the boy was dropped off at a friend’s house, who ultimately called police.

Det Hogan was asked if the death was linked to a recent Tik Tok trend where children dared each other to steal cars and lure police into high speed chases.

“We’d appeal for anyone that might have social media content that would cover the incidents that’s happened this morning to come forward,” he said.

“We’re investigating all lines of inquiry and the social media line will be investigated too.”

Police weren’t able to confirm whether the boy was in the car at the time of the crash or whether he was known to police.