SYDNEY, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Up to 16 people were injured when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) was driven into pedestrians in downtown Melbourne, Australia on Thursday afternoon, local media reported.

The driver of the white SUV has been arrested and the extent of the injuries were not yet known, Victoria state police said on their website.

Motorists and pedestrians were told to avoid the area. At least 12 people were being treated and transported to hospital by paramedics soon after the incident, state ambulance authorities said.

Witnesses told radio station 3AW that the driver drove past a red light at the city's busy Flinders and Elizabeth street intersection just after 4:30 p.m. local time (0530 GMT), when crowds were gearing up for the Christmas weekend and festivities.

Investigations are underway, said the police.