Cumbria Constabulary is investigating after a social media video involving an interaction between a police officer and a driver.

The video was taken on Tuesday and shows an interaction on the A6 near Stoneybeck roundabout near Penrith.

It appears to show a police officer tell the driver: "You do not argue with me. Because, you silly old man, you are going to end up killing somebody."

The interaction lasts for several minutes and was captured by an eye witness at the scene.

The video has been viewed hundreds of times on Facebook and has prompted a public backlash.

Cumbria Constabulary Chief Superintendent Rob O'Connor said: "Cumbria Constabulary was conducting a training exercise in the area at the time and officers had closed the road for the safety of all road users.

"The car was stopped at the road closure and part of the interaction between the officer and driver was filmed by a member of the public.

"The Constabulary shares the concerns raised regarding the manner the driver was spoken to by the officer. As such, the incident is being investigated by the Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department.

"We have visited the man to apologise on behalf of the Constabulary and have also spoken to witnesses who are assisting with our investigation.

"The Constabulary can assure the public that it holds its officers to a high standard, particularly with regards our interactions with members of the public, and that the matter will be investigated thoroughly."

Meanwhile, Cumbria Police Federation Chairman Paul Williams said: “Police officers have an incredibly difficult job and it is imperative that they are not subjected to trial by social media when they are out there trying to keep the public safe.

“A short clip of an incident does not always tell the full policing story. There is more to this than the video clip circulating online. Context is key. The scene in Penrith itself was presenting a lot of danger and steps had to be taken to make the area safe.

"This is an ongoing investigation due to a public complaint. We would welcome that investigation to get the full facts from both sides and I would hope that people would refrain from making negative comments about the officer I am supporting until the investigation is completed and the whole story is known.”

Paul added: “The Chair of the National Police Chief’s Council – Chief Constable Martin Hewitt - has described the public recording officers at work and posting out of context clips on social media as a 'hideous phenomenon'”.

“I would agree. That context is key - people need to remember there are two sides to every story and that is what a transparent investigation will uncover.”