Couple's narrow escape as car hits their front window

Only 15 minutes earlier, John Taylor and Amanda Cooper had been watching television in the front room.

Fortunately, when the white BMW hit the bay window of their terraced house, Mr Taylor had gone to bed while his fiancee had also gone upstairs to use the computer.

Mr Taylor, 24, said: "I heard a big thud and I first thought it was two cars which had hit each other right outside the house.

"I looked out the window to see anyone had been hurt and that is when I saw the car sticking out of the house. I was completely shocked. You do not expect anything like this to happen.

"Fifteen minutes before it happened, we had been sitting on the sofa. It could have been a lot worse."

The impact of the car sent a radiator, television unit and bricks across the room.

Two fire appliances from Redcar, one from Stockton and one from Coulby Newham attended the accident, in Thrush Road, Redcar, east Cleveland. Watch manager Paul Hodgson said: "It was pretty nasty looking. From the road, you could see straight into the house.

"The residents were pretty shaken up by it. There was more damage to the house than there was to the car."

The cause of the accident has still to be determined, but residents say traffic along the road has been a major cause for concern.

Mr Taylor said: "Only six months ago, a car crashed into a lamppost. It was only a matter of time before something serious happened."

Neighbour Dougie Gray has been campaigning for six months and has collected a petition with signatures from every resident in Thrush Road.

He said: "It is frightening sitting in your living room, especially with the kids."

His wife, Jean, said: "When I heard this noise, I said there was going to be an accident. No sooner had I finished the sentence there was a bang. Something has got to be done now."

A man was arrested in connection with the incident and a police spokesman last night said inquiries were ongoing.

Witnesses are asked to call (01642) 326326.