A YOUTH questioned by police about an incident in which a 16-ton truck-mounted crane demolished a house in Bacup has been released without charge.

Police are appealing for information which could help identify the people responsible for breaking into the vehicle, taking it out of gear and releasing the handbrake. The 16-year-old was arrested on Sunday and questioned by police yesterday before being released.

The vehicle rolled down a steep slope and smashed into the front of a council-owned house in Myrtle Cottages, Bacup.

Doris Kay, 75, who was watching Heartbeat on TV, had an amazing escape despite being buried up to her neck in debris. She escaped with a cut to the leg and minor grazing and bruising.

Inspector Michael Marren appealed for anyone with information to ring police on 01282 425001 or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

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