Family injured in car house crash

A baby and its parents were injured by falling debris when a car smashed into the bedroom of their Sunderland home.

They were asleep in their cottage on St Mark's Road when a Mercedes crashed through a wall, leaving a gaping hole.

The vehicle, along with a Vauxhall Vectra, was found abandoned at the scene. A number of men or youths were spotted running away.

A 16-year-old youth was arrested nearby on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

The father, who did not want to be identified, said the family had a rude awakening in the early hours of Friday.

'Flying debris'

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We were sleeping as normal and suddenly there was a big crash, bright lights and the front of the house was coming in.

"The first thing I did was check my partner and our baby. Everybody was fine, with just a few bumps and bruises from flying debris.

"Luckily the baby's cot was on the other side of the room. If it had been next to the window, I dread to think what would have happened.

"Our bedroom wall and window, as well as the front door, have been demolished."

The council is securing the property to make sure it does not collapse and the family will stay with relatives while repairs are carried out.

The householder added: "When you have a young baby in the house it can be rather hard to get to sleep, but when a car comes through the bedroom wall it does rather wake you up."

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