A GROUP of teenagers narrowly escaped injury in Purton this evening when an out-of-control car came within inches of the bench they were sitting on.

The white Ford Fiesta was travelling southbound in High Street shortly after 9pm when it struck the rear of a parked Volkswagen near the Church Street junction before careering into the bench.

The teens said a male driver in his late 20s left the car and fled the scene holding his ribs. It is understood Wiltshire Police scrambled a helicopter to pursue the man.

Jordan Huby, 16, of Peatmoor, was one of those who escaped injury from the bench.

“There was about six of us on the bench and we all heard a screeching noise. Then there was a huge bang, and then it was a drifting sound coming around the corner,” he said.

“We all just jumped up and tried to get out of the way as it hit the corner near the bench. He just got out, looked at us and ran off. He was holding his ribs.

“We felt we were in an episode of Traffic Cops, or something.”

Another of those at the scene was Charlie Messen, 17, also of Peatmoor. He said: “It all seemed to happen quickly, too quickly to feel scared.

“Afterwards our legs were shaking loads.”

Police officers at the scene said they were dealing with inquiries, but would not confirm the current status of the driver or if there had been any injuries sustained by anyone.

High Street was closed while the Fiesta was recovered, though motorists can get through between Station Road and Church Street.

If you have any information about tonight’s collision, please contact the force on 101.