POLICE are investigating after a van smashed into two garages, partially demolishing brick walls in Addison Close, Blackburn.

Eyewitnesses saw the van being driven down the cul-de-sac, then reverse back up before crashing into the garages. Resident Shane Alberts said: "First, he came speeding down the road and slammed on the brakes.

"He reversed it back up and there was a bang as he hit something.

"Then it came rolling down at about 20 mph with no-one in it. It skimmed one garage and then crashed to a halt. The engine was still running and one of the neighbours ran out to switch off the ignition." The van and a car inside one of the garages were both badly damaged. The other garage, usually used to store a disabled scooter, was empty.

Inspector Steve Lee of Blackburn Police said the incident is being investigated.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.