THE devastated owners of a house wrecked when a driver ploughed into the front of their home today told how Christmas has been ruined by the incident.

It happened at around 8am yesterday morning when the driver of a Renault Espace rammed through the front wall of the house in Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley, before smashing into the front of the house.

The impact of the crash caused the windows to smash -- and sent bricks flying into the front room.

Police said the the driver fled the scene and have launched a hunt to catch him.

Valerie and Philip Wilson were today counting the cost of the incident.

Mrs Wilson said: "We were woken by what sounded like a huge explosion. We thought the gas boiler had exploded but it was only when we dashed downstairs that we realised what had happened."

Mrs Wilson contacted paramedics as she thought the driver was trapped inside the vehicle.

She said: "This is the worst Christmas present anybody could have asked for. It's going to take months to put right. Our insurance company will have to come and assess the level of damage, as it could have caused structural damage.

"I can't stand to look at the mess. I am just relieved that nobody was walking past the house at the time. An elderly couple were just seconds from being in front of that car. I just hope the police catch whoever is responsible."

Leader of Burnley Council Stuart Caddy, who is a ward councillor in the area, has called for traffic calming measures to be installed.

He said: "I can't believe the mess and destruction that one car has caused. I will be asking for the traffic calming issue to be brought up again."

Anybody with information should contact police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.