A police officer is to stand trial accused of hitting two pedestrians after speeding out of a busy city centre junction.

Tayside Police constable Scott Kerr is alleged to have injured Roderick and Shirley Emslie in the crash on Dundee's Riverside Drive in July 2011.

Kerr, who was off duty at the time, is accused of driving his silver Audi A3 Quattro without due car and attention for other road users.

Prosecutors say he accelerated away at speed from a set of traffic lights in adjoining Earl Gray Place and failed to observe Mr and Mrs Emslie crossing at a set of lights less than 100 yards away.

It is alleged he then collided with the couple, knocking them to the ground to their injury.

Kerr, 40, of Strathmartine Road, Dundee, denies a charge of careless driving.

Sheriff Tom Hughes continued the case for trial in March.

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: "We can confirm that a 40-year-old Tayside Police officer was charged in relation to a road traffic offence and a report was submitted to the procurator fiscal.

"The officer was off duty at the time of the alleged offence. At this stage of proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further."