An anxious mum says she is scared to leave the house after almost being hit by an Audi while on the school run.

Michelle Hills, from Ashford, was walking her nine-year-old son Harley to St Mary’s Primary School when the silver saloon ploughed through the window of a block of flats.

The car came to a stop inside an empty shop unit at the bottom of the Prince Albert Apartments at the junction of New Street and Barrow Hill.

Miss Hills, a mother of five, says the A4 model was heading directly towards her as she crossed Barrow Hill last Friday morning.

“We were running late because my son has a fractured ankle at the moment so we have been going later to school to avoid rush hour,” she said.

“I said ‘Harley, quick, move’ but if it had been three or four seconds later, the driver would have hit us.

“He was coming from the direction of Highworth Grammar School, hit a post, went over the grass verge and smashed into another car.”

Miss Hills called the emergency services after the Audi came to rest inside the building, which was constructed in 2020 on the site of the former Prince Albert pub.

While thankful for the lucky escape, the 40-year-old says the ordeal has had a negative impact on her mental health.

“Harley is a bit quiet and we are both very anxious about walking back that way,” Miss Hills said.

“I can’t bring myself to go near there at the moment, it has been traumatising.

“Luckily a friend has been taking us in the car to get Harley to school, but I know I will have to face the walk at some point.

“Until then we will find an alternative route.

“I just keep thinking that my kids could have lost their mum and their brother.

“I’m okay when I'm walking down back roads, but near a main road, I'm a bit shaky and panicky.”

Miss Hills is in the process of finding counselling but says more support should be available for victims who have witnessed similar incidents.

At the time, a police spokesman confirmed a man was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence while driving.

He has since been bailed pending further inquiries.

He suffered injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to the William Harvey Hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information or dashcam footage is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 03-0325.