A Honda Civic smashed into the Istead Rise butcher's

by Julia Roberts

An elderly motorist had a lucky escape when her car careered into a shop window this morning.

Shoppers were stunned when the red Honda Civic smashed into the front of Boyson Butchers, in Upper Avenue, Istead Rise, near Gravesend, just after 10am.

The driver, who was alone in the G-registration car, was said to be shaken but did not need hospital treatment.

It is not known how the accident happened and no one else was injured.

Boyson Butchers owner Ian Hartley was inside his shop with two members of staff at the time.

He said: "We didn't see what happened, but just heard a loud bang and then saw the car come through the window. We went to help the lady and she seemed to be okay."

Maria Norman was working in Istead Rise Chemist next door to the butcher's shop. She said: "We just heard a massive bang and smashing glass.

"We went running out but the lady was more worried about the trouble she had caused than herself. She was concerned about the butcher's not being able to sell the meat, and how she was going to get home."

The car had damage to the windscreen, bonnet and bumper. It was removed by a recovery truck and police were at the scene, speaking to potential witnesses and helping to clear up the broken glass.

A passer-by said: "I heard a noise like a bottle bank being emptied, then saw a bus driver with his mouth wide open and people running."