SOUTHAMPTON residents were shaken in their beds after a “horrific” late-night hit and run incident.

A van smashed into five vehicles, knocking over a brick wall and leaving debris strewn about on Bitterne Road West.

Two men were seen fleeing the crash, which happened at around 2.30am on Wednesday morning and involved a grey Ford Connect.

At least three vehicles were written off, with one neighbour saying she was lucky the van didn’t plough into her downstairs bedroom.

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I heard a massive bang so ran outside.

“The van was in the middle of the road abandoned. I was screaming hello at it thinking somebody might be inside.

“I rushed and rang the police.

“I checked the van and it was empty,

“The engine was still running and leaking brown fluid all over the road.

“My car was only slightly damaged.

“I came off best with just a dent from the gate being knocked into it.

“My neighbours came off worse. Their van and car are write offs.”

Another neighbour added: “I heard the crash and run out to see if help was needed as it sounded horrific.

“They crashed into a friend’s house.

“It had crashed into three people’s drive ways on Bitterne Road West, were hit and all vehicles damaged.

“A van was left in middle of road and two men fled the van with black bags.”

Other residents reported seeing the Ford Connect driving around suspiciously the previous night.

Police officers have now launched a witness appeal to trace the two men who ran from the scene.

A police spokesperson said: “I can confirm we are investigating after a Ford Connect van collided with five vehicles and a brick wall in Bitterne Road West just before 2.30am today (January 2).

“Two men were seen to leave the scene. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44200001193.”