A STOLEN horse box was deliberately crashed into a family home near Darlington – injuring a 17-year-old girl.

The home owner, who did not want to be named, said his daughter was asleep in her bedroom at the front of the property when the house was targeted.

Emergency services arrived at about 12.30am and Durham Police's serious crime team have since cordoned off the area.

The girl suffered cuts and bruises. Her father told The Northern Echo: “I just pray to God that they get the people who have done it.

“I’ve lived here for 12 years and never had a problem here – I’ve never had a problem with anyone.

“It’s not just an accident.

“We were all asleep and we were obviously in.”

The family of four were asleep when the stolen horse box crashed into the front of the detached house on the outskirts of Darlington.

The impact caused severe structural damage and neighbours reported hearing a “loud bang” during the night.

The 39-year-old father added: “Everyone else is alright, touch wood.

“All I knew was I heard a massive bang, I jumped up and pressed the panic buttons and obviously alerted the police and they were here within three or four minutes.

“My daughter’s bed is up against the back of the wall so if it was anywhere else, she would have died.”

Police are asking for witnesses to come forward with any information about the crime.

A Darlington police spokeswoman said: "In the early hours of November 12, police were called to an address in the outskirts of Darlington.

"A stolen horse box vehicle was deliberately driven into a private dwelling, before the occupants of the vehicle made off in another vehicle.

"Substantial damage has been caused to the family home.

"Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, or for anyone with information, to get in touch.

"Any calls will be dealt with confidentially."

Witnesses can call police on the non-emergency number 101.