A family have told how a stolen 4x4 ploughed into their Hampshire home sparking a full scale police man hunt.

Sniffer dogs and teams of officers were deployed after the Land Rover Discovery ploughed into a Grade II listed property, where a grandmother was caring for her five-month-old grandson inside.

Brick pillars and metal gates were thrown across the back garden of the School Road home causing damage worth thousands of pounds.

Colleen Chafe, 47, opened the gate to get help but as she did the man ran through and escaped into nearby fields.

Mrs Chafe, who was at the other side of the house with her grandson Charlie when the crash happened, said: “There was this massive bang and then there was this guy at the gate, who was so pale and dazed.

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“It was all a panic and I was trying to find out if anyone needed an ambulance but as the gate opened he ran off.”

The vehicle had been stolen from Europa Garage in nearby Lowford before it careered through the brick and metal gateway and into the home.

According to police the man was seen on the forecourt on a bicycle before getting into the Land Rover and driving off.

A member of staff from the garage is reported to have gone after the stolen vehicle on foot.

This is the third time in a year that a car has come crashing through the front wall of the Chafes’ home.

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The first happening in January last year and another stolen car crashed in May. Colleen’s husband Adam, 50, who owns CEI Electrical in Hedge End, said: “Had it been the summer my family could have been in that garden.

Something needs to be done.”

Just 24 hours before workmen rebuilding the curb on the road were working at the spot where the smash happened just before 3.30pm yesterday.

Colleen added: “They would have been killed if they had been there. Every time this happens we are just thankful that no one has been hurt but our real fear is that someone will get killed if nothing is done to make people more aware of the junction here.

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“People use this road to walk their dogs and children use it to get to school. I dread to think what could happen if no action is taken.”

n A man in his 30s was later arrested in connection with the incident and was last night being questioned by police.

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