A man who spent five years shooting at bad drivers on German roads has gone on trial over a string of attempted murders.

Identified as Michael Harry K, the 58-year-old suspect is accused of firing more than 700 bullets on motorways over five years.

He allegedly targeted a number of lorries and cars as well as a 40-year-old woman who was left seriously injured after she was shot in the neck in 2009.

The suspect, known only as Michael Harry K, arrives for the opening of his trial at court in Wurzburg, Germany

Two men were also subject to his spree after they were wounded by shattered glass.

Police say the man, who was arrested in June 2013, had spoken about a ‘war on the autobahn’.

Reports say he is also alleged to have carried out the shootings to ‘teach road users a lesson’.

Police in Germany began their investigations five years before he was caught and even offered a reward of 100,000 euros (£85,000) to anyone with information, according to the BBC.

It is thought he managed to escape their radar for so long because drivers did not realise they had been targeted until it was too late.

A lack of CCTV cameras at motorway toll-booths due to German data protection laws is also thought to be a contributing factor.

He allegedly targeted a number of vehicles as well as a 40-year-old woman who was left seriously injured

He was eventually arrested after police decided to set up their own motorway surveillance, where they found a stash of 1,300 bullets and two guns.

The defendant faces five counts of attempted murder and other charges including one of grievous bodily harm, although his defence has rejected the attempted murder charges.

If he is found guilty by a district court in the Bavarian city of Wurzburg, where his trial began today, he could receive a lengthy prison sentence.

Senior prosecutor Boris Raufeisen has reportedly said the man knew he could cause ‘serious accidents with considerable consequences to the point of death of other road users’.