Girl, 13, in two police pursuits

A 13YEARold driver reached speeds of up to 180km/h last week while being pursued by Pakenham Police.

Local police officers first attempted to intercept the girl after the car she was driving, a green 2002 Ford Falcon, appeared as stolen on their vehicle database.

The pursuit began on the Princes Highway about 2.45pm on Tuesday, but police abandoned the chase after a few minutes due to safety concerns.

The girl continued her journey before Narre Warren Police took up the chase, again calling it off due to safety reasons.

The girls escapades came to an end when she was involved in a minor accident in Cheltenham and was apprehended by police.

Pakenham Sergeant Peter Garten said the girl was the youngest person he had seen involved in a police pursuit.

Its just very fortunate that the girl wasnt involved in a more serious accident, Sgt Garten said.

Cheltenham Police said the girl would appear before the Childrens Court charged with stealing a vehicle and several other traffic offences.