A COUPLE'S new extension has been left in tatters after a runaway van crashed into their home.

Building work was barely complete and scaffolding still in place when the van smashed into Angie and Steve Davies’ home in Bligh Way, Strood.

The van is believed to have been parked close to the shops when the driver got out to use a cash machine. It is not known whether the handbrake was not put on properly or whether it was let off by someone else while the driver was occupied.

The van rolled down the hill, picked up speed and collided with a parked car. It then changed direction and headed towards the Davies’ home which was painted with a St George’s Cross.

Mrs Davies said: “I was painting in the bedroom when I heard a couple of loud bangs. I looked up and out of the window I saw a runaway van coming straight for my house.

“I screamed and got the children out of the house as quickly as I could. I was looking for someone in the van thinking that the crash must have killed them, but there was no one in it. It was a miracle no one was killed."

Structural engineers hope they will be able to save the extension which has taken nine months to complete. Police are investigating the cause of the incident.