Five children have been arrested after a shocking crime spree through Melbourne’s suburbs ended in high-speed police chase.
Police allege the boys – some armed with machetes – committed armed robberies and cigarette burglaries across the southern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday night.
About 10.25pm on Tuesday night, police sighted a black BMW sedan near Mountain Highway in Boronia.
Police allege the car was stolen from Footscray, 40km away, on April 9,
With the assistance of a police helicopter, the car was tracked as it drove “erratically and dangerously” through the suburbs of Glen Iris, Camberwell, Richmond, Collingwood, and Melbourne CBD.
Police will allege the car reached speeds of more than 190km/h on East Link.
“The car continued to be driven erratically and at speed causing significant risk to the public in the Melbourne CBD,” a police spokesperson said.
Police officers rammed the car on Wellington Parade in East Melbourne about 11.20pm, bringing the car to a stop.
Police say this was to prevent any further serious risk to the community.
The five boys were arrested and taken into custody where they are assisting police with their inquiries.
There were no injuries to police or civilians, though one of the boys sustained minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the vehicle, has dashcam footage, CCTV or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.