DINERS enjoying a meal in a packed pub were left reeling when a car smashed through the wall of the restaurant.

The manager of the Plough & Harrow in Drakes Broughton said it was "remarkable" that nobody was seriously injured in the dramatic incident, which took place just before 8.30pm on Saturday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which involved a Red Peugeot 305 being driven towards Worcester. The male driver and a female passenger, who have not been named, are believed to be from the local area. The woman was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital where she was treated for non life threatening injuries.

Graham McKechnie, sub officer of Pershore fire station, said his crew were the first at the scene. "Nobody was trapped but we had to evacuate the building because it was badly damaged.

"There was a lot of debris on people's tables where they had been eating moments before the car crashed through the wall.

"I think people were in shock and they didn't know whether to finish their meals or get out of the building. It isn't often you go out for a meal and have a car come through the wall."

He added that his crew received support from Worcester and Droitwich firefighters and that three or four people, including the driver of the car, were treated at the scene by paramedics for minor cuts and bruises.

The pub's general manager Kerry West said her staff had the pub open as usual the following day. "We all feel so grateful that nobody was seriously injured," she said. "Which is quite remarkable really. Everyone remained calm, both the customers and our staff. Everyone was shaken up but we all came out of it."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 08457 444888 quoting incident number 553S of June 4.