PARTS of Bradford on Avon's historic bridge lies in ruin after a car ploughed into the parapet this morning. 

Shortly before 2am, police were called to a report of a black Mercedes c180 that had crashed into the bridge wall, causing a three-metre chunk of the parapet to fall into the river Avon below. 

Officers discovered that those in the car had fled and further checks found that the vehicle had been stolen during a burglary in Leigh Park Road between 10pm on Saturday and 3am yesterday. 

The thieves are believed to have stolen the car keys from inside the property, as well as electrical items including a television, an iPad, and a laptop.

PC Mark Hough said: "Officers attended the collision in the town centre this morning, however, the occupants had fled the scene.

"Enquiries are continuing to try and locate them and we would like to appeal to anyone who either saw or heard anything suspicious in Leigh Park Road between 10.30am and 2am this morning or anyone who witnessed the collision in the town centre shortly before 2am.

"Officers are carrying out a thorough investigation into this incident and any information you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, may be crucial to our investigation."

The car was found just after 3.30am and barriers and cones have been put in place.

Engineers from Wiltshire Council are currently on the scene assessing the situation.

The footpath is closed and Christmas Lights have been knocked into the river too.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More to follow.