THIS is the scene of devastation after a couple were awoken by a car smashing into their home.

With just days to go before Christmas, David Truscott, 69, and his wife Eileen, 73, were preparing for a quiet yuletide.

But in seconds their lives were turned upside down, when they and labrador Ellie were forced to leave their house in Stapleton Road, Orpington. A black Mitsubishi Gallant had hit their porch and ended up in their garage.

The crash, which happened at around 11.30pm on Friday, also took out two sheds, the owners' car and ruptured the gas main.

Firefighters from Orpington and Bexley closed off the road and the surrounding area due to the risk of explosion.

The 39-year-old driver escaped without injury.

Emergency gas repairs began immediately and the car was removed from the wreckage the following morning.

The couple are staying with their family but are hoping to be back at home for Christmas.