Blazing van hurtles towards playing kids

The children, who were playing happily with their pet dogs, were only saved when the Ford Escort van smashed into conifers which border the bungalow in Wood Lea, Maltby.

The shocked children ran inside and the thugs escaped, leaving the blazing van embedded in the conifers and garden fence at about 2.45pm yesterday.

Firefighters doused the flames and stopped them spreading further and police are now investigating the incident – believed to be at least the second at the property.

The yobs had been racing the vehicle around Maltby Craggs – a large open green space and brushland area in the pit village which is easily accessible for off-road riders.

The family bungalow is located at the bottom of a steep incline just on the edge of the Craggs – a well-known trouble spot for anti-social behaviour.

A fire spokesman said: "This has happened before and it could have been a lot more serious.

"The children were playing in the garden with their pet dogs when the car was sent flying down the hill towards the garden.

"This is a steep embankment and it would have picked up some speed.

"The vehicle only stopped when it struck the trees and fence at the bottom of the garden.

"The bungalow is right at the bottom of the hill and in the firing line for this type of mindless behaviour. Worryingly, it is at least the second time this has happened at the property and is very worrying for the family."

Maltby fire officers are so concerned about the situation they are to raise the matter at the next local police and Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting.

The van fire was tackled by one firefighter using breathing apparatus and one hose reel and quickly extinguished before spreading to the trees.

Information to South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020.