THE Metropolitan Police has restricted some of its fleet of Range Rover V8s to 50mph pending an enquiry into their handling characteristics under heavy braking. The move follows an accident in which an officer died in one of the force's 17 Range Rover Classics, but the Met is stressing the restriction is not linked to the incident.

The Met has a total of 67 4x4 vehicles including Discoveries and Defenders, but only the Range Rover Classics are subject to the restriction. A spokesman said: 'While investigating the handling characteristics under extreme braking conditions of all our 4x4 vehicles, a problem was identified on these particular models. A restriction was placed on these models while investigations were being carried out.'

The spokesman would not specify the nature of the 'problem', but it is understood to be related to whether or not the vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes. Some of the force's Range Rover V8s are fitted with ABS and these vehicles are not affected by the restriction.