HERE is the moment a car ploughed into a bus stop, sending a bollard 'flying 40 feet into the distance'.

The footage, captured by Regency Carpets and Furniture in Darwen shortly before 3.30am, shows a black car crashing into the bus stop.

The driver then inspects the damage before collecting debris from his car and driving away with a trail of fluid leaking from his vehicle.

Shop owner Tony Preston said it was a 'miracle' the driver was able to leave the scene.

He said:"I didn't see or hear anything and the council were already clearing up when I got in.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the CCTV, it was like watching an episode of World's Worst Drivers.

"It looks like has has not been concentrating and lost control of the car.
"Thank god no one was hurt, if it had been four hours later someone would have been killed.

"It's a miracle he was even able to drive away after that considering the damage to his car."

Mr Preston said it was not the first time the bus stop had been damaged.
He said: "A couple of years ago someone did something similar.

"They went straight over the bollards, knocked down the bus stop and nearly went in to the estate agents next door.

"Like this time, it was lucky no one was hurt."

A police spokesman said they are appealing for witnesses after the motorist failed to report the damage.

He said: "At some point between 4am and 5.30am today a motorist has taken out the bus stop on Duckworth Street Darwen at the junction with William Street.

"Not only has the bus stop been completely destroyed but the impact was so forceful it sent a bollard flying 40 ft into the distance.

"It would appear the driver forgot to stop and report the damage to police.

"We are in the process of reviewing cctv footage and we are confident we will trace the person responsible.

"If you saw the RTC or any damaged vehicles in the area or indeed if you are the driver please contact PC 589 Fyans on 101 quoting log 0142 of March 20."

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said they were going to make 'every effort' to recover the cost of repairing the damage.

She said: “The Council has replaced this bus stop and is in the process of reviewing its own CCTV from traffic cameras in and around Darwen.

"Given significant damage has been incurred to street furniture in terms of a bollard and a bus stop pole, the Council will make every endeavour to recover the costs of this damage from the individual concerned.”