Trio who allegedly robbed multiple businesses with machete arrested after crashing car into pole

Three men who allegedly robbed multiple businesses with a machete have been arrested after they crashed their vehicle into a pole in Melbourne's inner suburbs.

Police allege two men entered the NQR supermarket on Watton Street in Werribee just after 9am, where they demanded cash with a machete, terrorising a 19-year-old worker.

The same group are accused of entering a second business, Foodworks on Cottrell Street, where one man allegedly stole cash and alcohol.

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A 20-year-old, 18-year-old and 16-year-old allegedly fled the scene in a stolen grey Hyundai hatch and a pursuit was initiated by police.

Police followed the car through Werribee but the chase was soon cancelled on the Princes Freeway near Duncans Road in Werribee.

"When they got onto the freeway at 160km/h, it became too unsafe," Senior Sergeant Keith Kissack said.

Once the pursuit was called off, police were still able to track the offenders, because they were live streaming on social media.

Police spotted the car a short time later at a Moonee Ponds service station, where a second chase was started.

It is alleged that the offenders also threw a wheel brace and bottle of alcohol at officers during the pursuit.

The men lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole on Ascot Vale Road in Moonee Ponds just before 10.30am.

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All three men were arrested at the scene.

One offender was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital and the other two are currently in custody.

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