Police launched an investigation today after a couple claimed to have photographed TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson on his mobile phone while driving, above.

Adam Blake, 22, and Hayley Byford, 21, say they saw Mr Clarkson, who lives near Chipping Norton, on the phone as he travelled at 70mph in a 6.3-litre, green, V8 600 Grosser Mercedes on the M40 on Friday.

Mr Blake told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "We could not believe that we'd caught him out."

The newspaper claimed it confronted Mr Clarkson at his home, where he first denied being in the car and, on seeing the picture, said: "Er, that isn't a phone."

Thames Valley Police spokesman David Staines confirmed copies of the photographs had been received. He said: "We will look into the matter."

Mr Clarkson's wife Frances directed the Oxford Mail to the BBC'sTop Gear programme for a comment.

BBC TV spokesman Tara Davies said: "This was not a BBC matter and Jeremy has not asked us to make any comment."