Vic off-duty cops suspended after chase

Two off-duty police officers have been stood down including one likely to face drug possession charges after a car chase in central Melbourne.

The pair were allegedly among five men in an unregistered Mercedes-Benz that fled from police after running a red light early on Saturday morning.

It stopped on Little Bourke Street with its occupants fleeing on foot.

The first off-duty police officer, a senior constable from northwest metro region, was arrested nearby before being released.

He is expected to be charged on summons with drug possession and has been suspended with pay.

The other off-duty officer, a 28-year-old recruit, was spoken to by police and also suspended with pay.

Two of the three other men in the car have been identified as Victoria Police's Professional Standards Command investigates the incident.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said she had not been given any advice as to why police didn't release information about the incident until Tuesday afternoon.

"Regardless of the occupation of the individuals, that sort of behaviour is reckless," she told reporters on Wednesday.

"We all have a right to travel safely on our roads."