BBC avoids 'Top Gear' prosecution

The Health and Safety Executive has found insufficient reason to prosecute the BBC over the high speed crash that almost killed Richard Hammond last year.

Its report identified a damaged front tyre as the cause of the incident, which occurred when Hammond was travelling at speeds of up to 300mph at Elvington airfield last September. The tyre was damaged on the penultimate run, though this "was not apparent immediately before the final run commenced".

While the BBC showed shortcomings in "risk assessment and the procurement of services from others", said the HSE, there were in place safety measures that "almost certainly" saved the presenter's life. These were identified as the design of the Vampire car, the safety mechanisms within, and the availability of emergency services.

Hammond said of the report: "I am delighted. It was just an accident. I didn't cause it, neither did the team."