31 killed in police smashes

More than 12 people are injured every week in London in crashes involving police cars, official figures show.

Metropolitan Police officers were involved in 625 crashes last year - one of the highest of any police force across the country, according to new Home Office figures.

It comes amid widespread concern over the rising number of people hurt in collisions and high-speed chases involving police cars.

Last year the number soared by 60 per cent across the country, with 2,015 collisions recorded to April 2004. The number of deaths also jumped by 40 per cent across England and Wales, from 22 to 31.

The figures came in a parliamentary answer by Home Office minister Hazel Blears. The Independent Police Complaints Commission said officers must not take "unacceptable risks" when pursuing suspects.