According to Russian police an offended motorist who held the hand of a traffic police officer through his window, and drove off for five yards will face criminal charges in court.

The police spokesman told Reuters, "The officer's injuries were not too bad but he is still on sick leave." The accused has dismissed the accusation and told a Russian paper that he was the victim of a set up by a rival businessman who has police connections.

The motorist, who was riding in a BMW saloon was blocked by another officer in a patrol car. Police have since opened a criminal case against the man for using force against an officer on duty.