'Fake' Stoke-on-Trent police car was off-duty officer

Staffordshire Police revealed the 'fake' police car was actually a genuine off-duty officer

A "fake" police car which sparked fears of an imposter on the roads was actually that of an off-duty officer, a force has admitted.

Staffordshire Police had warned drivers to be on the lookout for someone in a black car with flashing blue lights posing as a policeman.

The force put out multiple appeals and urged motorists to be vigilant.

But it said it was now "confident" the sightings involved genuine unmarked cars.

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The warning was issued last month after a moped rider was pulled over in Stoke-on-Trent

An investigation revealed the off-duty officer stopped the vehicle, which police said was being ridden in a dangerous manner.

Neighbourhood Sgt Laura Morrey said: "I would like to thank everyone that has called in response to our appeal for information, but I can assure people we are now confident that there is not someone in a rogue vehicle stopping other drivers by pretending to be a police officer."