A SHOP owner has vowed to re-open his business after it was destroyed when a car ploughed into it.

Chris Foster, owner of Rupert's Upholstery in Victoria Road, South Woodford, said it was lucky no-one was killed when a Renault Clio crashed through the shop front yesterday.

It is understood that an elderly couple were in the Renault Clio and the driver lost control of the wheel.

The shop was closed at the time.

He said: "I have woken up this morning to this nightmare.

"It's lucky no-one was in the shop as people are coming in and saying hello and goodbye all the time.

"I really don't know what to do at the moment. There is glass everywhere and nothing looks salvageable.

"I don't think the driver had his foot on the brake and just went bosh into the shop. No-one in their right mind would just drive into a shop.

"I don't know when I will be back in business, but I will be back - no doubt about that."

Witness, Michael Young, of Victoria Road, said: "The car was braking strangely and it just swerved into the shop.

"The woman was bleeding heavily on her face."

A spokesman for London Ambulance said: "Our staff treated a 75 year-old woman for abdominal and chest pains and she was taken to Royal London Hospital as a priority.

"The man was treated for minor injuries, mainly grazes, and was also taken to Royal London Hospital."

Redbridge Planning were at the site yesterday afternoon to make the building structurally sound as it was in danger of collapsing.

The flat above the shop has been made safe for the occupants to continue living there.

Did you witness the crash? Call the newsdesk on 01992 572 285

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