The driver of a high-powered BMW that ploughed into the front of a shop is today being hunted by police.
The extensive damage was caused to R Stanley Windows and Doors, in South Shields, when the car mounted the pavement and crashed, on Sunday evening. No one was in the vehicle when emergency services arrived.
Dramatic pictures of the incident show firefighters and police at the scene with Dean Road blocked for a number of hours.
And today police are working to track down those involved.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Shortly after 5.30pm on Sunday we received a report that a car had collided with a shop on Dean Road, South Shields.
“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved."
Richard Stanley, who owns the business and the building beside it, has told of his shock at seeing the damage.
The 49-year-old said: "Luckily no-one was killed. There was carnage when I got there.
"It basically took the bin out on the corner, rammed into the shutters, took the shutters off the front of the shop and damaged the wall," he explained. "I would say about £20,000 of damage.
"I own the building above and next door and it's a HMO full of students. The wall is where the smoking area is.
"If there had been anyone standing at the front they could have been killed."
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log NP-20230430-0820.
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