Police have fired three shots at burglars who rammed their vehicle multiple times before a truck drove at them at speed, ripping the doors from the patrol car in Melbourne's north.

The sergeant and constable responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in a laneway near businesses in Somerton Road in Roxburgh Park at 3am on Sunday.

When they arrived, they were confronted by a red Toyota RAV4, which rammed their vehicle multiple times.

Superintendent Michael Cruse said a large truck then sped at the police vehicle, sideswiping it.

"The impact of that collision has torn the doors off the driver's side of the police car," he said.

"The two police officers were still inside in the car with the RAV4 directly in front of them."

Superintendent Cruse said the sergeant got out the passenger side and challenged the driver of the SUV.

He then fired three shots at the vehicle.

Superintendent Cruse said it was not known if any of the offenders were hit.

He said the SUV and the truck sped off, and police then discovered one of the nearby businesses had been burgled.

"As the vehicles have fled, some of the stolen equipment from the business has actually come out of the vehicles."

Superintendent Cruse said he has watched body-worn camera footage of the incident and said the officers had faced "extreme danger".

"It is confronting, and the members have done an outstanding job in very challenging and dynamic circumstances.

"They've come to ensure the community's safety and make sure that the businesses aren't being targeted for offences of this nature and then to have this happen is concerning.

The officers were not injured, were being provided with support and given some leave.

The RAV4 was found burnt out in nearby Somerton.

The wreckage will be examined to see if any of the bullets hit the vehicle.

Police are still searching for the truck.

Professional Standards Command was also investigating the shooting.