Cannock road closed for hours as car smashes into building causing gas leak

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a silver Ford Mondeo crashed into a business at The Green, Hawks Green Lane, Cannock on Sunday evening.

When police arrived at the scene they found the car embedded in the building at around 10.20pm.

There was a strong smell of gas and a hissing noise indicating a leak - however no driver was found.

Witnesses did report seeing two males leaving the scene, leading police to continue inquiries.

Resident Lucy Anne Forrester took a picture showing the car embedded in the wall with debris scattered in the aftermath.

Firefighters along with emergency gas technicians and a structural engineer, attended to deal with the leak and damaged building.

As a safety precaution a number of residents were evacuated to a nearby fast food restaurant and were unable to return home until 1.15am the following morning.

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Sarah Davidson said: "Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with emergency gas technicians and a structural engineer, attended to deal with the leak and damaged building.

"The road remained closed until around 10am to allow for the building to be assessed.

"The car has since been removed for a detailed forensic examination.

"The suspects are described as a mixed race male, aged around 25 to 30, with dark hair.

"He wore a black or dark blue tracksuit.

"The second was white, aged between 20 and 25, with fair hair and wore a black zip-up jacket and grey jogging bottoms.

"An investigation into the incident is underway, with inquiries on going to trace the two occupants of the car."

If you have any information on this incident please contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 710 of November 13.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.