The incident began when police spotted a car being driven “erratically” on the Eastern Freeway in Doncaster in the city’s east about 12.30pm.

Officers then followed the car into the CBD, where a pedestrian was hit on Exhibition Street, police said.

The woman was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

According to the police, a BMW was reportedly stolen from Boroondara, a suburb in the eastern part of Melbourne, yesterday. Shortly thereafter, the car was abandoned at Bourke Street Mall, an area where vehicles are not allowed.

Four occupants of the car then fled the scene on foot.

They were arrested a short time later outside Emporium Melbourne shopping centre on Lonsdale Street.

Two 17-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy are being interviewed by police.

The Victoria Police helicopter was also seen over the CBD.

A witness told 3AW she earlier saw what appeared to be a white BMW with smashed windows travelling down Punt Road in South Yarra.

Another caller named Craig said multiple police cars were seen heading down Elizabeth Street as the incident unfolded.

”There’s police cars absolutely everywhere. They’re coming rolling down Elizabeth Street, up the wrong side of the road,” he said.

“Cops everywhere, all running into Melbourne Central [Shopping Centre].

“I’ve never seen so many police cars in my life.”

Two tram routes have been delayed due to the incident.

Police remain at the scene at the busy shopping area.