A PENSIONER today spoke of her amazing escape when vandals sent a 16-ton crane crashing through the front of her maisonette home - as she was watching TV drama Heartbeat.

Doris Kay, 75, was trapped by debris and rubble for 30 minutes as rescuers fought to free her, but escaped with cuts and bruises and shock.

Mrs Kay, of Myrtle Cottages, off Gladstone Street, Bacup, was taken to Rochdale Infirmary and is now recovering at the home of relatives in the Bacup area.

The incident happened at 9.45pm last night after someone climbed onto the Kato 16-ton truck-mounted crane owned by Rossendale firm James Killelea and Co Ltd. The vehicle was taken out of reverse gear and the handbrake was released.

The huge crane was allowed to run down the steep hill, go across a junction and smash into Mrs Kay's home.

She said: "It was funny. I was watching Heartbeat when I heard this almighty bang.

"When I came round I was still sitting on my stool covered in rubble. I wondered what the heck had gone on. Now I realise I was very lucky to get out of there in one piece.

She said: "I am just now beginning to feel it. My ribs and chest are sore."

She suffered a bad cut to her leg and various other grazes and bruises.

Her son, James, said: "Whoever did it could have killed her." She said the accident was the latest in a long line of bad luck to afflict her in the past 18 months during which she has lost her husband, John, suffered a heart attack and also been in hospital with pneumonia. Now she has lost her home.

The entire front of the property was demolished and properties on either side were evacuated.

Neighbours rushed to the back of the house to try to rescue the trapped woman.

Next door neighbour Simon Beech tried to clear debris away and although he could not see her he kept talking to her until the emergency services arrived.

Neighbour Julie Moorcroft said: "We were watching television when suddenly there was a big bang, the sound of breaking glass and the lights were flickering.

"At first I thought a bus had gone into the house but then saw it was a crane. I dialled 999 and the fire service was here within a couple of minutes. We got torches and tried to look in and people were trying to save her. It was horrendous."

Inspector Michael Marren said: "Mrs Kay was extremely lucky not to be more seriously hurt."

A 16-year-old local youth has been arrested and was being questioned by police today. Insp Marren said it may be that other arrests would follow.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which would help police identify those responsible to contact them on 01282 425001 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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