UK police forces are to review the way their drivers deal with high-speed pursuits after a report said officers were taking “unnecessary risks” when chasing suspects.

The report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) comes as five people were killed last week in a head-on crash on the M4 following a police pursuit.

Andy Holt, of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said: “Any research that is undertaken that helps to make our roads safer is to be commended.

“ACPO has initiated a review of its current guidelines on the management of police pursuits and the IPPC will be working closely with ACPO in order to conduct this thorough review.”

The report “Police Road Traffic Incidents: A Study of Cases Involving Serious and Fatal Injuries” analysed data from road traffic incidents (RTI).

It showed up to 40 people die annually in RTIs involving the police with the number increasing year-on-year.

In 2005 the number of incidents was 109 compared with 101 in 2004. This latest report studied 275 incidents.

It recommended that all police vehicles be fitted with data recorders and police should not pursue motorcycles, except when a serious crime had been committed.