A PENSIONER was injured when a car careered out of control and crashed into the front wall of his home as he slept on Saturday."

Frank Davies, aged 79, was showered with flying masonry as he lay in his bed when the Mazda smashed into the bedroom wall of the bungalow.

The pensioner escaped with cuts and bruises when a brick hit him on the head.

And today, recovering at his home in Harper Green Road, Farnworth, he confessed: "I'm lucky to be alive."

The driver fled from the scene after the incident at 4.35am leaving two passengers still inside the car. They have been interviewed by detectives. The driver is still being hunted.

It is believed the Mazda 6 was travelling along Harper Green Road towards Bolton when the driver lost control close to the junction with Carnation Road and hit a parked Vauxhall Vectra.

The impact of the collision sent the Mazda hurtling towards Mr Davies's semi-detached bungalow and into the wall which the widower was sleeping just inches behind.

Mr Davies said: "I woke up straight away because it made one hell of a bang and bricks were thrown all over the room.

"I thought it was a bomb going off when it hit the wall and I could tell I had been hit on the head with something."

Police and paramedics were called to the scene. Mr Davies and the two passengers were treated for minor injuries.

Mr Davies suffered a small cut to his head. One of the passengers was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital for a suspected neck injury but was later released after treatment.

Council building experts were called out and the damaged bedroom wall was boarded up. They were assessing the home for any structural damage today.

A gas meter was also damaged and Transco engineers were called to the house to make sure there was no leak.

Retired photographer Mr Davies added: "Part of the house is boarded up and they have taken the window out but I think all the damage can be repaired.

"I have a small cut on my head and I'm a bit shocked but I'm relieved that nobody was seriously hurt."

Sgt John Brennan of the Road Policing Unit said: "Mr Davies is lucky. The car appears to have lost control and hit a parked car before it collided with Mr Davies's house."

"Two people are helping us with our inquiries and we will be speaking to them today to try to trace the driver."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7273 or Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.