STUNNED residents of an Ipswich street ran out of their houses fearing a gas explosion – only to see that a car had slammed into three parked vehicles and a wall.

STUNNED residents of an Ipswich street ran out of their houses fearing a gas explosion – only to see that a car had slammed into three parked vehicles and a wall.

The broken wall is today the only reminder of a dramatic scene that shocked residents of Cemetery Road at around 10.30pm on Monday.

Amazingly, witnesses state that three men coolly left the crashed stolen Vauxhall Cavalier, running off in the direction of the cemetery.

A 22-year-old man was later arrested by police following a search of the area, and was questioned throughout the night at Ipswich police station.

He has been released on bail to reappear on October 29.

He was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The police were called following the collisions, and immediately launched an intensive search, mainly using dogs. The force helicopter was not used.

Suffolk Police were today unable to comment on whether they are looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, or whether anyone was injured.

Today residents of the road, which is near the town centre, told of the events that happened as some of them were going to sleep.

Geoff Ford, 74, lives next door to the house that bore the brunt of the accident. His neighbour's wall was smashed to pieces after the accident that occurred at about 10.30pm yesterday.

Mr Ford said: "I was asleep at the time but it certainly woke me up, I thought it was a gas explosion."

He added that Cemetery Road residents came out from their homes to find out what caused the "huge bang".

He said: "Everybody was out of their front doors last night it was a heck of a scene.

"There must have been about five cars smashed up in total and there were at least three police cars and seven officers here, they even had police dogs here."

Richard Spencer, who lives opposite the scene of the accident, added: "There was a huge bang and I rushed out to have a look.

"Everybody was out in the street, there was a real community spirit."

Mr Spencer added that he saw people involved, in what is believed to have been a high-speed crash, walk away from the scene unhurt.

"They just got out of the car and walked away completely unscathed," he said.

Other residents who did not wish to be named said they were shocked by the crash.

One woman said: "I didn't see the actual crash, just the aftermath. Several cars were damaged, fortunately not mine, it was a really loud bang and loads of people went outside to have a look."

Suffolk Police are still appealing for witnesses to the collisions. Anyone with information should call them on 01473 613500.