“I THOUGHT it was thunder”.

A 75-year-old Eastleigh man has spoken of his shock after a Ford Focus ploughed into his lounge in the early hours, metres from where he slept.

Police have arrested a 21-year-old man from Eastleigh on suspicion of drink-driving after a silver Ford Focus careered off the road and smashed into the corner of the home on the junction of Southampton Road and York Road at 4.30am yesterday.

Officers had to chase the suspect after he tried to flee the scene following the crash.

The homeowner, Ian, has lived in the property for more than ten years.

He said: “I thought it was thunder, but it kept on rolling. The engine was still running.

“At first I came out of my bedroom, which is right next to my lounge, and saw it.

“My first thought was one of shock, and it wasn’t until a few minutes afterwards that I came outside and, of course, no-one was there.

“The person who did it must have tried to escape, but police tell me they have arrested someone.”

Ian, who lives in the property by himself, said that despite coming outside to see the Ford having knocked out the corner of his home, it took him about half-an-hour until he realised the full extent of the devastation.

He added: “It wasn’t until about 30 minutes afterwards that I began to tremble slightly and realise exactly what had happened.

“I don’t even think I phoned the police, I believe it was a neighbour who told me they were going to.”

Police confirmed a 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after the crash.

A signpost was also left underneath the car, as bricks and other debris were left strewn across Ian’s lounge floor.

Ian added: “I don’t think I can stay here now.

“It was just a feeling of pure shock and disbelief.

“How I’m going to sort this all out, I’m not sure. Hopefully the insurance company can help.”

Officers remained at the scene for hours following the crash, cordoning off York Road into the afternoon.