A QUARRY Bank man has told how he was nearly killed when a car slammed into park gates in Quarry Bank after a police chase last night (Monday).

The man, who does not wish to be named, says he was just seconds away from being hit by the car which crashed into the iron gates into Stevens Park, off Park Road.

He told the News: "He nearly killed me. If I was there two seconds earlier he'd have driven straight into the side of me.

"The driver was being chased by police and instead of turning the corner went straight into the gate. If he had tried to turn he’d have crashed into my car."

The driver is believed to have fled the scene of the incident which happened at around 10.15pm.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed no arrests had been made and said there had been a police chase through Lye that evening but added: "We have no further details on the incident."

Mary Sparks, of the Friends of Quarry Bank Park, said the historic park gates - which are believed to have been in place since the 1920s - had been "severely damaged".

Halesowen News: The damaged park gates. Pic courtesy of James Clinton - Conservative candidate for Cradley and WollescoteThe damaged park gates. Pic courtesy of James Clinton - Conservative candidate for Cradley and Wollescote

She added: "It's a terrible shame. I just hope nobody was injured."

Just weeks ago, in January, it was announced that the gates would form part of restoration plans for the park as part of a long-awaited £1.8million lottery project.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555111.