A hapless West Sussex man caused devastation when he reversed his car into his own house - and parked on the sofa.

The driver screeched through the front window, knocking a 10ft hole in the wall and showering the carpet with glass.

Neighbours who heard the smash at 6pm yesterday dialled 999, thinking there had been an explosion.

The man was unhurt but was treated for shock at the scene.

Looking at the remains of her home last night, his partner Jo Hunt, said: "We don't know what happened. I'm just in shock. Where are we going to sleep?"

Fire crews put in safety pillars to support the structure of the house, in Shooting Field, Steyning, before the Nissan 4x4 could be gently towed away.

Officers believe the man had been attempting to park in his usual spot in the driveway but somehow lost control, careering at high speed through the wall, demolishing two windows and a supporting pillar.

Environment Agency worker Ms Hunt arrived 15 minutes later.

She said: "Fortunately, I was late home or I could have been in there. I was stopped at the front gate by a fireman. He said someone had driven into the front of the house. It was my other half.

"The car went through the front wall. It was resting on our sofa."

She added: "We're not quite sure at the moment what happened.

"We're just thinking about what we are going to do next."

Sub Officer Keith Strivens, of Steyning fire service, said: "The driver mysteriously backed his car into the living room. It was touching the back wall.

"He is in shock. A neighbour heard it and thought it was a gas leak because it was such a big bang. Thankfully no one was hurt."

Police were treating the smash as an accident.