Two pensioners have died after being hit by a van in Eltham overnight.

At about midnight on February 23 police officers on patrol noted a van being driven erratically at speed.

Officers in a patrol car followed the Ford Transit van and requested for it to stop. However, the van failed to stop for the officers.

At about 12.06am, the van crashed into a Citroen C3 car on Footscray Road following a police chase.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the male and female occupants of the car, both believed to be aged in their 70s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

RELATED: 'I heard just a loud bang' - Neighbours react after police chase crash leaves elderly couple dead

Their next of kin have been informed.

The driver of the van has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the alcohol limit, driving while unfit through drugs and death by dangerous driving. He was then taken to hospital.

His injuries have been assessed as non life-threatening.

Road closures are in place.

The Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed as a matter of routine and a referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct