BERLIN, May 12- Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who is set to travel to South Africa for next month's World Cup, is being investigated for suspicion of assault and dangerous driving, it was revealed on Wednesday.
German sports agency SID, an AFP subsidiary, say the 24-year-old Cologne forward is said to have narrowly avoided hitting an elderly couple crossing the street while driving and then insulted the pair in an exchange of words.
A state prosecutor in Cologne confirmed Podolski is under investigation by police and other witnesses will be questioned over the incident.
Podolski, who has won 70 caps for his country, is due to play for Germany against Malta in a World Cup warm-up on Thursday in Aachen.
He was voted the best young player at the 2006 World Cup when Germany finished third.
Germany have drawn Australia, Ghana and Serbia in Group D at the June 11-July 11 World Cup.