A traumatised nurse says she feared there had been an explosion after a car being chased by police careered into vehicles on her driveway.

Mum-of-two Sarah - who asked to withhold her surname - was getting ready for bed when the drama unfolded outside her house in Downs Road, Canterbury.

The impact of the collision destroyed her Seat Ibiza and a treasured family van, while the suspects’ car was left teetering on its side.

The 47-year-old says the ordeal has since had a significant impact on her both mentally and physically.

Recalling the events of Thursday night, she said: “As I was walking up to bed there was this horrendous bang. I can’t even describe it.

“Immediately afterwards I saw blue flashing lights outside of my window. I thought there had been some sort of explosion.

“When I looked out of my window I saw the absolute carnage on my driveway.”

During the police pursuit, the suspects’ car collided with a number of parked vehicles before flipping onto its side.

Sarah, who has two children aged 15 and 17, says the incident has affected her ability to work.

“Since the incident, I have had no transport,” she said.

“I’ve been stuck inside looking after two kids and I’ve been unable to go to work.

“My daughter has not been out since. We have been terrified to leave the house, to be honest.

“It has made me feel physically and mentally ill. Every time I hear a siren or a car going quickly past the house I just freeze.”

Sarah says she is “disappointed” with the police response and claims to have not heard from the force since the day of the incident.

“My car had been destroyed and was sitting just a few feet away from my living room window,” she said.

“My van was upended across a wall into my neighbour's driveway and the offender's car was on the driveway next to my van. It was carnage.

“The police response has been very disappointing. I have not heard from them since and they have only provided me with a police reference number and the registration.”

Sarah says she has been left “devastated” by the damage to her vehicles, especially the van, which holds significant sentimental value.

She says it was bought with money left to her by her grandmother, who died during the Covid pandemic.

Sarah was planning to take her children on holiday in the van over the Easter holidays but says they will no longer be able to do this.

“I have not been offered any support,” she added.

“I want to know who authorised this high-speed chase in such a pedestrianised area.

“It was only by chance there was no one out there the other night.”

Inspector Paul Stoner, of Canterbury's Community Safety Unit, said of the incident: “During an ensuing pursuit, the vehicle collided with parked cars in Downs Road and two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving offences.

“They have since been bailed pending further enquiries and officers are in touch with the owners of vehicles which were damaged.

“Our officers are trained to assess the risk of pursuing suspect vehicles and the level of risk is constantly re-assessed throughout.

“In this instance, the short pursuit took place late in the evening, with very little traffic on the road.”