Motorists are being advised to be extra vigilant after police received three reports in one day of a BMW masquerading as an unmarked police car.

In one incident a driver in Wadley alerted police that he was being followed - and had been hit - by the BMW.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman told Oakham Nub News: "We have received three separate reports of motorists involved in incidents with what the caller described as an unmarked police car.

"The reports were made on 1 January and involved what is reported to be the same silver BMW car displaying blue flashing lights on the inside of the front windscreen.

"During the first incident in Glen Parva, the BMW attempted to get the caller to stop their vehicle but the caller drove off.

"A door of the BMW hit the caller's car when they were both at traffic lights, causing minor damage.

"During the second incident in Wigston, the caller was told to slow down by the BMW driver and drove off when the driver couldn't provide any police ID.

"During the third incident, the caller called from Wardley stating he was being followed by the BMW which also struck the caller's car.

"The BMW drove off when the caller stopped at a petrol station. No damage was caused.

"At no point did the occupants of the BMW appear to be dressed in police uniform or show any police ID."

A number of enquiries have been carried out in relation to the reports and police are holding them on record in case any further evidence comes to light.

Leicestershire Police advise that if motorists are unsure if they are being pulled over by a genuine officer to keep their car doors locked and, if possible, drive to a place of safety or a well-lit area such as petrol station forecourt.

"Ask to see a 'police warrant card' through a closed window and if you are still unsure dial 999 and wait for confirmation on the phone it's a genuine officer.

"Only wind down your window or get out of the car when you are sure that it is a genuine police officer," added the Leicestershire Police spokesman.