POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man wearing a ski mask smashed a car into the front of a house.

The incident happened at midday on Monday when the man drove a red Ford Escort into the house in Brancepeth Road, Ferryhill, County Durham, before fleeing on foot.

A female police officer, who was with four people inside the house at the time, gave chase but the man escaped.

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.

Anyone with information can call police, (01325) 314401, or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111