AN INTERNET video showing a driver speeding at 120mph down a residential Altrincham road while filming the speedometer on a mobile phone has received widespread condemnation.

The grainy footage posted on the popular website YouTube two months ago is shot through a car windscreen before the camera turns to the dashboard to show the speed rising to a high of 120mph.

Although it is not obvious on which road the 21-second clip was filmed, a caption under the title Subaru 120mph' states Scooby Doing 120mph in Altrincham.' The driver starts at a traffic lighted junction and the road, which has houses on both sides, can be seen to merge from two lanes to one before the video ends.

An investigation into the authenticity and origins of the film has now been launched by police after SAM brought it to their attention.

Superintendent John Graves, said: "After viewing this video clip, we are obviously concerned about its nature and content and the possible impact and influences it could have on those viewing it, particularly young people.

"If anyone has information which could help us, I would urge them to get in touch."

Since being posted, the video has been viewed more than 600 times.

One submitted comment criticized the footage to which the person who posted the clip responded: "Admittedly this video is OTT but I don't understand the focus on speeding motorists (everybody speeds). People's awareness, hazard perception and concentration is a lot higher when travelling fast."

After viewing the clip, a spokesperson for the road safety charity, Brake, said: "It is shocking that someone who is driving at a speed which means they could quite easily kill themselves, other road users or an innocent child walking across the road, has endangered lives further by holding a mobile in their hand to film the speedometer.

"This kind of criminal behaviour is so reckless it defies belief.

"Drivers need to think about how they would feel if they were responsible for the death or serious injury of an innocent person before they take part in potentially fatal stunts such as this one."

Anyone with more information about this clip should contact the police on 0161 872 5050 and ask to speak to their local neighbourhood policing team.

A law has been in place banning hand-held mobile phones being used while driving for three years. But a survey by Brake and breakdown service Green Flag found 36 per cent of drivers admitted illegally using mobile phones while driving. Fifteen per cent said they did this once a month or more.

What do you think about someone filming themselves through the streets of Altrincham at 120mph? Post your comments