INSPECTOR Morse's famous car is to be sold after its owner was caught up in a multi-million pound Government probe.

The TV detective's 1959 Jaguar Mk II has been seized by liquidators involved in the insolvency case of Practical Property Portfolios (PPP).

Investigators from the Department of Trade and Industry and Northumbria Police are continuing their inquiries into a suspected property fraud involving the former Tyneside company.

But now the stylish burgundy Jaguar, driven by the late actor John Thaw, has been refurbished and is ready for sale.

A spokeswoman for the liquidators, BDO Stoy Hayward, of London, said: "The car was seen as a company asset and is now in the hands of agents Walker Singleton.

"Interest has already been shown by potential buyers as it is a very famous car."

The Mk II, which graced the streets in and around Oxford during the series, is expected to be sold for more than £70,000.

John Potts, 54, a director of PPP, had snapped up the car in an auction and brought it to the North-East.

During police inquiries, nearly £84,000 in cash was taken from Mr Potts' luxury home at Villa Maria, Silksworth Hall Drive, Sunderland. He was one of the directors of Practical Property Portfolios but was not arrested.

According to the Department of Transport and Industry, the firm offered to source and manage buy-to-let properties for private investors.

Inspector Phil Butler, of Northumbria Police's economic crime unit, said: "Our inquiries are continuing into the allegations against PPP.

"We have had to trace and interview dozens of investors from home and abroad in connection with the investigation."