Runaway cab ploughs into shop

From the taxi rank at the top of Dacre Road, the driverless cab gained speed down the hill before demolishing boulder-shaped safety bollards and crashing through the front window of the clothes store.

Fortunately, the shop was closed and the street was empty of shoppers when the Centre Cabs car hit, just before 7pm, on Sunday.

Peacocks store manager Jo Balkham said: 'The taxi came right down through the boulders and completely smashed the whole window and mannikin base.

'The car pushed the display base unit in but luckily there was no stock damage.'

However, she estimated the window alone could cost up to 5,000 to replace.

Ray Woodford, co-owner of Centre Cabs, said it was a mystery how the accident happened. His driver had only left the cab for a moment before it disappeared down the hill. The plastic bollards didn't stand a chance of stopping the car, he said.

Mr Woodford added: 'The front of the car went through the window. It took the bumper off and there were a few scratches.'

Police are appealing for witnesses.