Police in the German city of Viersen joked that the “Holy Spirit”, often represented by a dove, had intervened to stop them identifying the driver of the car.

The motorist would have faced a €105 (£95) fine for travelling at around 35 mph in a 20 mph zone if not for his “feathered guardian angel with seemingly carefully spread wings”.

In a light-hearted statement, police said: “We have understood the sign and leave the speeder in peace this time.

“We hope that the protected speeder likewise understands this ‘hint from above’ and drives appropriately in the future.”

Officials joked that the dove could also have been fined for speeding, but added: “However, since we do not know where it has to be on time for Pentecost, we will allow mercy over justice here too.”