AN ELDERLY Irish woman had a lucky escape last night after a van ploughed through the back window of her house.
Annie Burrell, 73, received medical treatment for shock and minor cuts to her head and arm after the with Citroen Berlingo crashed into the back of her property.
The incident happened around 9.10pm last night on Clare Road, Waringstown Co Down last night, Sunday, January 28.
Speaking to BBC Newsline, Ms Burrell said: "I was sitting in the chair and all of a sudden, my back window came in.
Annie Burrell said she was thrown from her chair when the car came crashing in. (Picture: BBC Newsline)"There was a loud bang, with the window breaking, and I was knocked out of my chair onto the floor.
"When I looked up, I could see the front of the van on my work bench," Ms Burrell said.
Ms Burrell, who had been watching television at the time, was treated for shock and minor cuts to her head and arm caused by flying glass.
The car came crashing through the window and landed on Ms Burrell's work bench. (Picture: BBC Newsline)"The water was running all over the floor. The person must have left the scene.
"I was concerned about whoever was in the van and whether they were badly hurt," she told the BBC.
It is understood Ms Burrell managed to raise the alarm by crawling to a telephone and alerting family members who live nearby.
The driver fled from the scene but was later arrested by police. (Picture: BBC Newsline)The 27 year old driver of the van fled the scene but was arrested a short time later by PSNI offices.
Inspector Gregory Beckett from the PSNI said the driver remains in custody today.
Inspector Gregory Beckett said: “A female occupant, who is in her early 70s, required medical treatment for shock and some minor cuts to her head and arm.
"Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have seen the Citreon van in the area prior to the time of report is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 1284 28/01/18.”
