A HOUSE in Grays has been badly damaged after a car travelling at high speed smashed into it around 10am this morning (Monday, 25 December)

Throughout Christmas Day, after firefighters had made the property safe, police closed Argent Street close to the junction with Wharf Road South as engineers, including gas and electricity specialists, worked on the detached property.

The property is home to a family with young children who were in a different part of the house at the time of the incident

Residents said a vehicle, travelling at very high speed on the 20mph limit road, lost control and mounted the kerb before crashing into the front of the house, which is called Mirkwood.

In doing so the vehicle demolished a BT internet cabinet, meaning many residents in the area lost service.

Essex Police have been asked about the incident but have not yet responded.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service this evening said: "Firefighters were called at around 10am today to assist at the scene of a road traffic collision involving a vehicle which crashed into the side of a house in Grays.

 "There were no casualties, but the house suffered significant damage.

A crew from ECFRS's Urban Search and Rescue Team used two support struts to stabilise the building. 

"Cadent were also called to the scene after reports of a gas leak."

Thurrock Nub News has been told by neighbours that a young man driving the car was injured and was taken to hospital. Local comment also suggests the driver was neither licensed or insured.

Updates to follow.