Manchester Police Wreck Supercar

A Manchester policeman has been left red faced, after writing of a supercar lent to him.

An investigation is under way after a £40,000 supercar loaned to Greater Manchester Police was written off while being taken for a test drive by an officer.

The top of the range Volkswagen Golf R, which has a 155mph top speed, was wrecked when the officer lost control on a roundabout.

The officer, in his 40s, had to be cut from the wreck by firefighters and suffered spinal injuries but has now been discharged from hospital.

Fortunately, the car, which can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.7 seconds, was insured.

The officer involved, who works in the unit that patrols car crime hotspots, is now temporarily suspended from driving duties while an investigation is under way.

GMP said they would also now look again at using public roads to test-drive cars. No other cars were involved in the crash.

A spokesman for the force said: "As a result of this incident, Greater Manchester Police is currently reviewing its policy on officers test driving demonstration cars on public roads.

"That review is ongoing and it would not be appropriate to make any further comment."