A motorist and his female passenger were lucky to escape with minor injuries when their car plunged into a nine-foot hole which opened up at a car park.

Ron Watkins, 55, and daughter-in-law Hayley Hesketh, 19, were sucked into the crater, which is believed to have been caused by former mine workings.

They had pulled up in the car park at Reedswood Way Retail Park in Walsall, West Midlands, at tea-time on Friday when the drama occurred.

Mr Watkins, a tool setter, of Valley Road, Bloxwich, said: "I was going to drop Hayley outside McDonald's for a cup of tea while I went shopping.

"Just as I was going to park, the car tilted sidewards. At first I thought the suspension had gone, but then the ground gave way."

Sinking feeling

The C-reg Ford Fiesta plunged nose first into the hole, trapping Mrs Hesketh in the passenger seat.

Mr Watkins said: "I don't know how I got out, I was more worried about Hayley. She was screaming, I told her to calm down, switch off the ignition and pass me the keys.

"I opened the hatch door and literally dragged her out of the car through the boot.

"I don't know how I managed it. I have never been so frightened in my life. I had visions of us dropping straight down to the bottom of the hole."

Mr Watkins suffered leg injuries and cuts to his hand.

His daughter-in-law was treated at hospital and discharged.

'Lucky to be alive'

Mrs Hesketh, of Church Street, Bloxwich, added: "One minute I was in the fresh air and the next I was inside this big hole.

"I feel quite lucky to be alive. I dread to think what would have happened if it had been a family with children."

Emergency services sealed off the area and an investigation is under way.

Inspector David Bullimore, of West Midlands Police, said: "We are not sure if the hole is a suspected mineshaft or the remains of any buildings which were on the site previously."