Speeding driver in Germany spared from fine by timely 'Holy' intervention of a dove

A speeding driver in Germany was saved from a euro 105 fine when a snow-white dove unexpectedly interceded on his behalf, masking his identity on speed cameras.

The driver, who was not identified, was travelling at 54km/h on a stretch of road with a 30km/h speed limit, police in Viersen, near Germany's western border, said.

The driver was caught on speed cameras - but his identity was hidden by the bird's wings spread in flight.

A light-hearted police statement suggested that perhaps "it was no coincidence the Holy Spirit" intervened - a reference to the dove as a symbol of that aspect of God in Christianity.

"We have understood the sign and leave the speeder in peace this time," the BBC quoted the police in Viersen as saying on their Facebook page on Monday.

But the officials in Viersen added: "We hope that the protected speeder likewise understands this 'hint from above' and drives appropriately in the future."