A woman has been arrested after a family's front garden was ruined when a car believed to have been stolen ploughed into it at speed. A woman, aged in her late teens, and a man were found in the car after it crashed through a 12ft high conifer hedge and then a cherry tree, planted some 12 years ago.

A woman has been arrested after a family's front garden was ruined when a car believed to have been stolen ploughed into it at speed.

A woman, aged in her late teens, and a man were found in the car after it crashed through a 12ft high conifer hedge and then a cherry tree, planted some 12 years ago.

The accident, which happened at 1.10am this morning, saw the white L registration Mitsubishi Lancer abandoned in the front garden of Cindy and David Dove's home in Stone Road, Dereham.

Mrs Dove said: “We heard a noise in the garden and my husband looked out of the window and saw there was a car in the garden.

“It must have come at such a speed because it knocked my cherry tree down and went through a 12ft hedge of six conifers.

“They do speed along the road but not at that speed.”

It is believed the car was driving down the road from the direction of Shipdham Road when the accident happened.

Mr and Mrs Dove, who have lived at the house for 12 years, went out to make sure the two people in the car were ok and a neighbour called the police.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of aggravated theft of a vehicle but then taken to hospital with minor injuries. She has been bailed until Saturday. The male was also taken to hospital.

The vehicle is still in Mr and Mrs Dove's front garden and it is not known when it will be removed as any removal will have to go through the owner's insurance.

“We are just thankful they were not hurt badly as the car is pretty badly damaged,” said Mrs Dove.