The dramatic ordeal began when police tried to intercept two vehicles speeding along Matthews Avenue about 1.30am.

One vehicle stopped but the other vehicle, a white ute, sped away from the scene. It quickly returned and repeatedly rammed into the police van, causing significant damage to the van's bonnet.

As the two police officers fled from the van, the ute switched focus and started driving towards the pair, said Senior Constable Adam West.

"The members managed to evade the ute which then left the scene with the first car following," Constable West said.

A short time later police found the ute dumped and burnt out in Kingsley Drive.

The dog squad was called in, and traced the offenders to a home in Hillside Grove. A police helicopter was also involved in the search.

Three men and two women were arrested at the home. Police negotiated with a fourth man, who was eventually arrested.

The six include two men - aged 22 and 52 - from Airport West, a 40-year-old Glenroy man and a 33-year-old Keilor East man.

A 53-year-old woman and 23-year-old woman, both from Airport West, were also arrested.

Late in the day the six were all released without charge. Police say they are continuing their investigations.

The two policewomen, a leading senior constable and constable, avoided serious injury.

"The members involved...are in good spirits but were naturally distressed over the incident," said Sergeant Kris Hamilton.

The incident caused significant traffic issues on Thursday morning.

Forensic investigators have since attended the scene of the burnt-out ute this morning.