A SOUTHAMPTON couple received a most unwelcome house guest yesterday - a red Ford Escort.

Michael Liddiard, 50, of Manor Road North, Woolston, dashed home from work after his wife Paula, 47, telephoned just before midday to say a neighbour had just seen a car carrying two teenagers crash through their garden wall.

The pair of suspected car thieves had fled from the scene by the time Michael and police arrived, leaving the Liddiards with a car hanging precariously over their garden wall.

The crash also uprooted a telephone and television cable box, causing temporary disruption to up to 100 local households.

Mr Liddiard, an engineer, said: "I got a phone call from my wife who said a neighbour had just seen two youths crash a car into our garden wall. I drove back home right away and there was no sign of the youths but the car was wrecked. A telephone and television cable box had also been ripped open during the crash and there were live leads sticking out everywhere.

"What if there had been children or a young mum with a pram walking past? They would not have stood a chance. There are a lot of accidents around here and something has got to be done to deter car thieves."

Michael's neighbour Brian Bulmer, 60, of Blackthorn Road, witnessed the crash from his lounge window.

He said: "The car was travelling at some speed down Blackthorn Road and just flew over into Sholing Road before crashing into Michael's wall. The lad who was driving got out and was limping, and the girl he was with was shouting all sorts at him. They then ran off down an alleyway leading to the local British Legion Club. I think they must have known the area, given their escape route.

"There are always accidents around here and the council has got to do something about introducing more traffic calming."

The driver of the car was said to be a male aged 14-15 with short, mousey brown hair and was wearing a black shell suit with white stripes.

The passenger was described as a girl of about 5ft 2in, with blonde hair, aged about 15, and wearing a pink cardigan, blue jeans and trainers.

Anyone who has information on the crash should phone Bitterne police on 0845 045 4545.