Two Melbourne removalists were themselves removed this morning, when police mistook them for burglars.

The men were shifting a client and her belongings from her house when a neighbour phoned police, believing the men were stealing the woman's belongings.

A witness said the removalists were handcuffed by police and thrown to the ground.

About 8.20am today, the removalists, from Man with a Van, were approached by police on St Kilda Road, near Fitzroy Street, after traffic was stopped.

A witness, Jo Templin, said police walked through the blocked traffic as though looking for someone.