Woodloes Park - car traps shop customer

Shetan Patel, who owns Stratwicks off-licence in Reardon Court, Woodloes Park, heard a loud screeching sound seconds before the out-of-control Vauxhall Marina mounted the kerb and crashed into the shop.

He had just served Brian Biggleswade, who lives on the estate, and the pair were chatting when the car, driven by an elderly woman, hurtled through the window, shattering glass, beer and wine bottles before coming to a shuddering halt at the counter.

Mr Biggleswade was pinned by his right leg as Mr Patel jumped up onto his counter and asked the dazed driver to turn off her engine which was still running.

The incident happened shortly after 2pm last Saturday.

Mr Patel, aged 50, said: “Brian couldn’t move or put any weight on his right leg and the lady was trapped in her car.

“She must have been in deep shock. All the time she kept asking me was: ‘How is that an, how is that man?’” “

Passers-by rushed into the off-licence to help Mr Patel lift 64-year-old Mr Biggleswade up and away from the smouldering vehicle.

Two ambulance crews and a paramedic support officer were soon on the scene but the fire service was needed to cut the distressed 81-year-old driver from her vehicle.

Mr Biggleswade was treated at the scene and then rushed to Warwick Hospital where he underwent surgery on his leg.

The driver was also taken to hospital but despite being badly shaken she appeared to be otherwise unhurt.

This week Mr Patel has been taking to his insurance company and assessing the thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to the family business where he has worked since 1982. It’s likely to be some time before he is able to re-open.

He said: “Everything happened so fast. I heard this screeching sound and then the car came hurtling trough the window.

“The lady driver was very concerned about Brian - I grabbed hold of him and with the help of others was able to lift out out of the way and sit him down. He couldn’t put any weight on his right leg.”

On Sunday Mr Patel, aged 50, was able to visit Mr Bigglewade in hospital were he had undergone an operation and had a metal plate inserted into his leg.