POLICE today issued a safety warning after reports of increased car engine "transplanting".

The practice involves installing a newer and more powerful engine into an older vehicle.

It could invalidate insurance and make the cars dangerous as the brakes and suspension will struggle to cope with the extra power.

Chief Inspector Val Prince, head of Lancashire police's motorway unit, said: "We are not aware that engine 'transplanting' is itself illegal, but it is of obvious concern to us.

"The fitting of high performance engines into older unsuitable cars is potentially dangerous -- particularly if the owner drives the car fast.

"It maybe that people engaged in this practice do not realise the full implications of their actions.

"Officers across the county will be motoring this trend and will stop vehicles which are a concern to them."