German police are trying to track down a skateboarder who sped down a steep stretch of motorway at 62mph.

They believe the man who raced down the Ulm-Stuttgart motorway for two miles before he stopped and fled was a professional stuntman, Goeppingen police spokesman Uli Stoeckle said.

A video of the skateboarder, broadcast on German TV, showed a helmeted figure wearing a red and white protective suit.

He is seen building up speed by holding onto the back of a motorcycle before letting go and freewheeling.

The German magazine Stern said the mystery man is known in skateboarding circles as a professional stuntman and takes part in international downhill competitions.

Stoeckle said the man faces charges for interfering with traffic safety and endangering motorists, and would lose his driver's licence and face a "substantial fine."

He denied media reports the skateboarder would face a one-year jail sentence.

There are no speed limits on German motorways but there are restrictions on many sections, especially steep and dangerous stretches.

The section the skateboarder was using has an 50 mph speed limit.