Residents feared their neighbour's home was 'caving in' after a vehicle smashed into the front wall of an 80-year-old’s home.

It was a quiet, uneventful night in Rakesmoor Lane on Friday night when neighbours were jolted awake by the sound of a ‘big bang’.

Damage was caused to the front wall of the property of 80-year-old Brenda Wood, who has lived on the Barrow street for more than 40 years.

Her son-in-law, John Sloan, received a call on Saturday morning to say there had been an incident – but never expected the damage to be so extensive.

The retired shipyard worker was told by his mother-in-law’s neighbours about the crash.

“The neighbour Beryl said at about 11.30pm to midnight, they heard an almighty bang and thought the house was caving in,” the 61-year-old said.

“The amount of stone that was blocking the road was really hazardous because it’s such a narrow road.

“I was conscious we had to shift the stones quickly to make the road accessible and cleared as much as I could.

“We’re really grateful no one was hurt.”

Mr Sloan described the incident, which has been reported to police, as ‘frustrating’ – especially if the family is forced to fork out money for the repairs.

He said: “It’s not just a simple fix job – we’ll have to buy sandstone, the gate has been damaged beyond repair.

“There’s a lot we have to do.

“My mother-in-law is very upset but we’re going to sort it out for her.

“She’s in a wheelchair but luckily has another access point to get in and out of the drive.

“We’re just thankful no-one was hurt.”

Cumbria police were unable to provide a response before this article went to print.