Woman attempts to drive off in an armoured personnel carrier

The woman made it just a few yards, however, after smashing into a retaining wall, breaking the glass panels and damaging the front of the vehicle.

The bizarre incident happened in one of the pavilions of an all-Russian exhibition centre in Moscow. 

The Interpolitex exhibition is devoted to special vehicles that ensure the country's safety and security.

Staff did not realise the keys of the vehicle were still in the ignition and the woman drove the vehicle off its stand, but then stalled when she crashed.

Pictures show the glass door and panel she broke as well as all the debris that littered the floor.

The woman apparently claimed that she did not realise the keys would really start the vehicle and panicked when the engine roared into life and shot forward.

Some officials tried to cover up the incident, saying the large vehicle had just rolled off its stand on its own accord.

But exhibition spokesman Irina Gerasimova admitted: 'Unfortunately, one of the exhibits was moved and driven into a wall. 

'There will be an analysis of the circumstances to find out exactly what happened and the damage will be assessed for insurance purposes.

The exhibition was organised by the Russian security agency FSB, the Federal Security Service, as well as the Ministry for International Affairs. 

The woman is currently being questioned about the incident.

(dailymail.co.uk)