Luckily no one was in the downstairs property in Ely Way, Fellgate, yesterday when James Selby's Jaguar XJ8 suddenly surged forward at 60mph, smashing through the garden fence and into the front window, ending up in the dining room.

Miraculously, the 68-year-old and wife Ann both walked away from the accident scene without a scratch.

However, emergency services were called to the street and five homes had to be evacuated as engineers dealt with a gas leak sparked by the crash.

Mr Selby told how he battled to keep control of his eight-year-old car and was thankful no one had been hurt.

"We are so relieved we have walked away from this unhurt," said the former engineer, from nearby Coventry Way.

"I'm just so pleased it's a quiet street. I don't know what happened, the car just went forward."

Mrs Selby, 62, who has been married for 40 years next month, added: "James had his foot on the brake but when he went to put it into drive, it just shot forward at about 60mph.

"It demolished the garden fence and embedded itself in the house. It was like being in a movie. I had to have a lie down.

"It's the school holidays and I'm just thankful no one was in the garden. It's unbelievably lucky no one was hurt."

The former secretary added: "I'm more upset by the damage to people's homes than the damage to our car."

The occupant of the flat was at work when the accident happened.

Emergency gas engineers and firefighters were called to deal with the leak. Gas workers capped the leak while firefighters secure the property so the car could be removed safely.

Judy McQueen, who lives above the property, said: "I was on nightshift and the crash woke me up and I was evacuated with my two cats."

Ms McQueen, who works at the Travelodge at Whitemare Pool and has lived at the property for 24 years, added: "There is some damage to my flat which will have to be repaired but it could have been a lot worse. It was lucky the occupier was out."

Nicola Howe, 30, who also lives in Ely Way, said she thought someone had smashed a window.

The mum-of-two said: "I have never seen anything like it before. I just heard this almighty crash but I didn't know what it was until Judy came over and said she'd been evacuated.

"Apparently the car just took off, it looks as if there must have been a problem."

By 1pm all residents – apart from the occupant of the damaged flat – were able to return to their homes.

Pc Sean Garwood, from South Tyneside Motor Patrol, said: "The fire brigade were in attendance due to a ruptured gas pipe and the car is now being examined.

"There was minor damage to the vehicle but extensive damage to the property."