'Unknown' Bramble in crash drama

A FAMILY had a lucky escape after former Ipswich Town star Titus Bramble crashed his high-powered BMW into the wall outside their home - but they admitted they had no idea who he was.

Bramble, who now plays for Newcastle United, was travelling towards Norwich on the A140 when the accident happened in the village of Newton Flotman at around midnight on Friday night.

A Norfolk Police spokesman said that five or six people were travelling in the vehicle at the time, but that no-one had been hurt. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Bramble, who joined Newcastle from Ipswich four years ago, was given a breath test at the crash scene which was negative.

Eddie Sargent, 55, who lives in the house, said he and his wife Linda, 54, were awoken by a loud bang at around midnight.

The couple, who were looking after their grandchildren Archie, three, and two-year-old Rosie, initially feared the worst.

"We just heard an incredible bang," said Mr Sargent. "I got up to see what was going on, my main concern being for the people in the car.

"The first person on the scene was an off-duty police officer who told me he would handle the situation.

"The car was full of people and they all got out and went across the road.

"I never spoke to Titus, he kept a low profile. I was more concerned about the damage.

"None of us knew who he was. The police handed us his details for the insurance claim and my wife said 'what a lovely name' and 'wasn't he good looking'.

"It wasn't until we telephoned the insurers this morning that they asked 'Is that the Titus Bramble?'.”

Mr Sargent said that Bramble's blue BMW M3 had careered into a street lamp, knocking it to the ground.

The car then went into the two-and-a-half foot high wall at the front of their home, knocking down a section measuring about 24 metres (26 yards), along with a gatepost.

Mr Sargent said: "The damage is extraordinary. I can't believe a car could cause as much damage as this.

"I am not angry about it. It is in the hands of the insurers now and I am just relieved no-one was hurt.”

Bramble's spokesman was unavailable for comment last night.