They took a lorry for a joyride for some 300m around the block before they stopped.

And they are both only 11 years old.

The incident involving the two primary school boys took place along Bedok South Avenue 2 at around 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Witnesses believe the boys were probably on their way home after school, reported Shin Min Daily News.

They were dressed in school uniform.

The lorry was parked just outside Bedok Green Primary School.

KEYS IN VEHICLE

It is believed the driver left his keys in the vehicle when he left the lorry.

Seeing that nobody was inside the vehicle, the boys climbed into it and boldly started the engine.

They then supposedly drove straight and took a left turn onto New Upper Changi Road.

Passers-by who saw the boys driving the lorry yelled at them to stop. The boys finally stopped it after a bus stop.

They were prevented from leaving by the passers-by, who called the police.

A student, Zhang Fu Xiang, 17, saw the commotion after the police arrived.

He was on his way to a nearby basketball court for a game.

He told Shin Min Daily News: 'I saw a lorry parked at the bus stop and there was a police car nearby.

'There were a few kids standing around. I was curious, but didn't know what happened.'

Mr Tan Jin Tong, president of the National Safety Council of Singapore, told The New Paper this was the first time he heard of such a case.

He said: 'I find it quite difficult to believe that two young boys managed to start and drive a lorry.

'It would mean that they knew how to use the clutch, accelerator, handbrake and gears.'

Mr Tan warned of the dangers of underaged driving (the legal age is 18).

These include not knowing how to control the vehicle or the highway code.

Unlicensed road users will not only be a menace to others, they will also bring danger to themselves.

Mr Tan added: 'No matter what speed it is travelling at, as long as it is a moving vehicle, there is a danger that it will be a lethal force.

'This incident should remind vehicle owners to remove their keys and engage the handbrake when they leave the vehicle.'

Mr Gerard Ee, former president of the Automobile Association of Singapore, agreed.

He said: 'Kids are fascinated by cars, so don't provide temptation. Leaving keys in the vehicle is like leaving money lying around.

'You won't be able to blame others for taking it, even though ethically they should not do so.'

TAUGHT BY SOMEONE?

Mechanic Mike Low said the boys were probably taught how to manoeuvre the lorry by someone.

He said: 'It's not possible to learn how to drive a manual vehicle from watching TV or observing someone who drives.

'It is also not possible for one to handle the accelerator and clutch, and another to steer - that would require perfect coordination.'

Police spokesman Danny Tan said the boys were arrested for vehicle theft.

They have been released on bail.