A car crashed through a garden fence in Oxford and almost slid down a bank into the householder's lounge.

The abandoned car after the crash

Two men raking leaves in the garden were lucky to escape unhurt.

The driver of the Rover 414 ran off after saying he was going to see his boss.

Householder Sarah Chiumento, 46, had only just replaced a panel of the fence at the house in Cumnor Hill after last month's gales. She said a concrete post stopped the car careering down the 10ft bank.

She added: "If it had come down, it could have ended up on the patio or even in our lounge."

The incident happened at 12.35pm on November 16.

Pc Ben Peach said the Rover driver was believed to be in his mid-30s, of heavy build and Eastern European appearance. The Rover was untaxed. The documents were left on a seat and police believe the car might have been bought only recently.

Pc Peach said the driver might have been picked up by friends nearby in a red car. He appealed for anyone with information to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.