A SHAKEN mother has spoken of the terrifying moment her husband pulled their nine-week old baby out of the path of an out of control car.

Linzi Mansfield told how she thought her and her family were about to be "taken out" by the vehicle, which was heading straight for them as they crossed the road after attending a church service.

Her husband, Kieran, was struck on the leg as he shielded his wife and baby daughter Nancie from the careering Hyundai Amica in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Sunday morning.

The family were crossing St Cuthbert’s Road and had reached the traffic island when the car, driven by an elderly woman, reversed towards them at speed on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Mansfield pushed his daughter to safety with seconds to spare and the family watched in horror as the Amica struck a metal pole before flipping over.

Mrs Mansfield, 28, said: “I was pushing the pram and Kieran was stood next to it. I saw the vehicle heading towards Kieran and our baby and shouted at him to move.

“He managed to fling himself in front of the pram and push it back. The car continued to be out of control. She hit the metal rail with such force the car flipped over.

“It was horrible. I was extremely shook up and emotional. Everyone came running towards us. From where they were standing, it looked like the baby had been hit.”

Mr and Mrs Mansfield are originally from Newton Aycliffe but now live in Northamptonshire. They had returned to their hometown to visit friends and family and had just attended a service at St Clare’s Church, where Nancie will be christened next month.

Police, firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after 11.20am.

The reason why the driver lost control of the vehicle has not been confirmed.

She is believed to have suffered minor injuries, while Mr Mansfield, 36, was left with a sprained ankle and internal bruising.

However, the couple are also mentally scarred and are urging people to be extra alert when standing on traffic crossing islands.

“It was terrifying,” said Mrs Mansfield. “At the time I thought my husband and baby were going to be taken out by a car in front of me.

“If I hadn’t shouted his name I don’t know what would have happened. I am trying to just focus on the positives now. We are all alright and that is what matters.

“I’d also like to thank everyone that rushed out to help us and check we were okay.”

Anyone who witnessed the accident who has not yet spoken to Durham Police is asked to contact officers on 101.