Mr Bean leaves hospital after car crash

London - Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson, whose character is known for hapless driving in the television shows and films, left a hospital on Friday after being treated for minor injuries following a sports car crash in southern England.

The 56-year-old comedian was driving his McLaren F1 supercar - one of the world's fastest road cars - when he crashed late on Thursday, striking a tree and a lamppost before the vehicle caught fire, authorities said.

Firefighters said Atkinson hadn't been trapped inside the car. Britain's Daily Mirror reported that the actor was able to walk away from the vehicle and flag down other motorists for help.

Atkinson was seen leaving Peterborough City Hospital with four security guards on Friday afternoon, but made no comment to reporters. Publicists did not disclose details of his injuries.

The accident occurred close to Haddon, a village about 140km north of London. Atkinson was given a routine breathalyser test at the scene and will face no criminal charges, police said.

The actor, a car enthusiast, appears in a series of motoring mishaps in his Mr Bean series. He is shown in one programme driving a Mini while seated on the vehicle's roof. Atkinson is also known for the historical comedy series Blackadder.