ONE of Hampshire’s oldest buildings has been severely damaged by a hit and run driver.

A car smashed through the wall of the 700-year-old building in Romsey causing up to £25,000 worth of damage.

Owner of the Grade Two listed building in Middlebridge Street, Robert Davis, was in London at the time of the crash.

He said: “A vehicle thought to be a 4x4 had careered off the road and into the side of the building which is medieval and Grade Two listed. The medieval timber frame dates from the 14 century.

“There was a lot of severe structural damage and it left a gaping hole in the wall facing Newton Lane.” Police were called now investigating the incident.

Builders spent have shored up the damage at the premises which are home to Mr Davis’s chartered surveying business, chiropractor Alister Miller and Bellacare.

“They must have been going at great speed to snap a large oak beam like a matchstick. It’s going to take months to sort of the repairs out and cost between £20,000 and £25,000 to repair the damage.

“Two rooms occupied by Mr Miller sustained a lot of damage. We patched up his consulting room and removed his reception office to another room in the building because it was totally unusable. “The vehicle missed a gas main by about half-a-metre.”

West Hampshire police spokesman Alan Smith said: “A Officers are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should phone Romsey police station on 101.”