A man pretending to be a police officer pulled over a car on the M40, told the people to get out and then sped off in their vehicle.

The driver and a friend were on the M40 between junction 2 for Beaconsfield and 1a for the M25 at around 5am on Friday (January 10) when they noticed a car with blue flashing lights behind them.

The pair, who were in a black Volkswagen Golf, pulled over at the hard shoulder and the behind - a black Seat Cupra estate - pulled in behind them.

A man got out of the car and approached the Golf, telling the occupants he was a police officer.

He asked them a string of questions and told them both to get out of the car.

When they did, the man got into the driver's seat of the Golf and sped off.

The Seat Cupra also then drove off.

Police investigating the car theft have released an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to.

The car thief is described as a white man, aged 27-35-years-old. He is about 5ft 7ins tall, of an average build, baby-faced and spoke with a southern accent. He was wearing grey tracksuit top and bottoms and a black baseball cap.

Detective Constable Mark Banham, based at Amersham police station, said that while incidents like these are rare, anyone who is suspicious can ask to see a police officer's warrant card.

He added: "I am appealing for anyone who recognises the man depicted in this e-fit to come forward. Also, if you think you may have seen this incident or have dash-cam footage from around this time around junctions 2 and 1a of the M40 to get in touch.

"Incidents like this are incredibly rare. If you have any doubt about someone who identifies themselves to you as a police officer, you can always ask to see their warrant card. All officers, including covert officers, will carry their warrant card with them.

"Their warrant card will display their photograph, name and shoulder number and will include a hologram of the force crest and the signature of the Chief Constable.

"You can also call 101 and give the officer’s shoulder number or name to the call handler and they will be able to confirm the officer’s identity.”

If you have any information that could help police investigating the car theft, call 101 quoting reference number 43200010018.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.