Family’s drive in Millstrood Road, Whitstable ‘looks like a war zone’ after ‘hit-and-run’
Published: 15:31, 30 April 2024
Updated: 16:54, 30 April 2024
Additional reporting by Sofia Akin
A disheartened family whose cars and home were smashed up in a suspected hit-and-run say their drive “looks like a warzone”.
Sarah Jackson was in bed with her husband Craig at their home in Millstrood Hill, Whitstable on Sunday evening.
At about 9.45pm, they were woken by a loud bang.
The 54-year-old told KentOnline: “Someone had driven into my car which meant it hit my husband’s trailer and van, and then the house.
“I’ve only had this car since December so I’m absolutely devastated.
“It will cost an also lot to repair - if it is repairable.
“The brickwork underneath the bay window is dented in.
“It’s caused internal damage inside. I lost some glass vases.
“It’s just an awful thing to happen - a total inconvenience.
“The fact they just drove off is what I find really hard to swallow.”
A trailer hitch was crushed into the wall and bricks below the bay window were smashed in.
Craig Jackson, 65, added: “My wife was screaming.
“I looked out the window, and there was already a load of neighbours outside.
“So I put some clothes on, went out, and I couldn't believe the carnage.
“It looks like a war zone.
“We also couldn't believe that one vehicle could do so much damage and actually drive away.”
The couple have since been borrowing lifts from friends to get into work, and are facing a huge bill.
Their son Ethan, 23, was also at home when the suspected hit-and-run happened.
He recalled: “There was this almighty bang.
“It was like a sound I’ve never heard before. I though the ceiling was caving in.
“It was really scary and a rollercoaster of emotions.
“It just, it was such a shock - none of us knew what was going on.
“As soon as we opened the door and saw what had happened, all of the neighbours were already surrounding our house in disbelief.”
Mr and Mrs Jackson have had “amazing” support from others in Millstrood Hill.
One, George Scotto, even managed to capture the car involved on their Ring doorbell.
In the footage, the vehicle can be seen coming round the bend and disappearing out of view, before a huge bang is heard.
The 56-year-old said: “It’s terrible - you should never have this happen.
“If you hit someone’s car take responsibility to take ownership or if your neighbour’s not home leave a note.”
A police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.45pm on Sunday April 28 following a report that a car had collided with a parked vehicle near the junction of Grimshill Road and Millstrood Road, Whitstable, before leaving the area.
“No injuries were reported and enquiries are ongoing to identify the car and driver involved.”
More by this author
Millie Bowles