A FATHER-of-two has been left with a costly repair bill after a shopping centre barrier came down on his car.

Shahid Malik, 37, said he had set off after putting the token in to lift the barrier when the car in front suddenly stopped.

Mr Malik said he was then left trapped as the barrier at the main Mall car park exit in Blackburn town centre came down on the back of his Toyota Hilux.

The motorist has now called for shopping centre bosses to install warning signs advising drivers not set off until the car in front has cleared the area.

But The Mall said ‘there was no risk to customers who use the barriers correctly’.

Mr Malik, of Notre Dame, Blackburn, said he was particularly upset because his children Sana, 10 and Zahrah, three, were in the car.

He paid £350 to repair the five-inch deep dints and scratches.

Mr Malik said: “After putting my ticket into the machine I followed the car in front until they suddenly stopped.

"I was trapped behind them and couldn’t move until they started up.

“Without warning, the barrier crashed down on my boot from 12ft.

“There are no signs or road markings to warn of the danger of stopping in the zone or setting off before the car in front has cleared it.

“I couldn’t believe what had happened. Thankfully, my kids were fine but I hate to think what damage could be caused to someone in a flat top car or motorbike if they were caught there.”

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall, said the spot was not a danger.

She said: “We appreciate Mr Malik’s concerns following the incident.

“This was a rare occurrence.

“Unfortunately, Mr Malik proceeded through the automated barrier even though there was a stationery vehicle in front of him.

"Customers should only continue through the barrier once the zone in front is clear.”