A family have called for greater safety measures outside their home after a van ploughed into a property in Blackburn.

The incident happened just after 6pm (Tuesday February 8) when a van heading down Calder Street crashed through a wall and trees and into a house on Whalley Range.

A resident said one family member had just left the kitchen before the crash. CCTV footage also shows a man walking along the footpath moments before the van ploughs into the house.

The driver and his passenger had to be rescued from the wreckage but were said not to be seriously injured. Police closed the road in both directions for three hours.

Safety engineers from utility companies were on site inspecting the damage. The van was balanced precariously in the back yard with the damaged 20 foot-high trees and masonry strewn across the ground.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Police closed Whalley Range, Blackburn for three hours.

Resident Muhammed said: “We are thankful that nobody was injured.

"If somebody was in the kitchen there would have been fatal injuries. A householder should should feel safe in their own home.

“It has left a complete mess and caused a lot of damage to the property. The vehicle has come through with some force and knocked the trees down.

“We have called for better crash barriers to be installed or for other safety measures to be put in place.

“This is not the first time this has happened. This is most definitely the worst though."

According to Muhammed a section of the crash barrier which was damaged in an earlier incident had not been replaced.

He said: “The crash barrier that was in place has a section missing and that is the part the van went through.

“We have told the authorities that there was a real danger of this happening again."

Councillor Hussain Akhtar, for Shear Brow and Corporation Park, said: “I have been to see the family and the property. Engineers are looking at how to remove the van without damaging the property further.

“It is lucky nobody has been injured in the house.

“I have been in touch with the relevant departments to see if we can ensure this does not happen again.

“There is definite need for some strong barriers on this section.”