CHIP shop customers and staff had a narrow escape when a stolen car smashed through the Kidderminster store's front window.

Everyone in the shop on the A456 Bewdley to Kidderminster road, and people in an upstairs flat, had to be evacuated by firefighters because of fears the building would collapse.

One chip shop worker had to be treated for foot injuries after the blue Renault Megane smashed into the Bewdley Road Fish Bar after it had hit a parked car shortly before midnight yesterday.

The driver and passenger of the car fled the scene before firefighters and police arrived.

Structural engineers from Wyre Forest District Council are due to carry out risk assessment of the shop today.

"The car careered into the front window of the chip shop and the door of the charity shop next door," said Sub Officer Jim Richards, from Kidderminster Fire Station.

"The car pushed part of the chip shop building and charity shop out of line."

Sub Officer Richards said the chip shop, a bookmakers, post office and charity shop next to each other could collapse and people were not being allowed back in the buildings until they are confirmed as safe.

The car is still embedded in the building and the road has been closed because of concerns that vibration from passing lorries could bring it down.

Kidderminster police confirmed the car was stolen and are trying to trace two white males believed to be in their early 20s.

The driver had short dark hair and was wearing a dark top, and his passenger had blond hair.

Anyone who can help police with their enquiries is asked to call 01562 820888.