Rosemarie Parkin, aged 28, and her family were out when the collision occurred - but damage is so severe she is convinced she and her partner's five-year-old son Ben would not have survived.

The impact of the crash at their Darnall home has cracked the internal living room wall and dislodged some of the foundation breeze blocks.

It also shattered a radiator, causing a flood, and knocked over several pieces of furniture including a huge bookcase.

The Sheffield Council property on Uttley Close, which is now racked from ground to ceiling level, is so unstable the family have been moved into a flat indefinitely.

"The car hit our house at around 3.30pm - just about the time Ben normally sits down in front of the TV," said Rosemarie, who is four months pregnant.

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"I have been ill with sickness throughout my pregnancy and usually have a lie down on the sofa in the afternoon. Had we been there me, Ben, and my unborn baby would surely have been killed."

Rosemarie and her partner Chris Allison found out about the disaster when a neighbour rang - but when they arrived home they say the police and fire service had already left.

"We found a car embedded in our living room wall and a note from the council telling us who to call for emergency accommodation," said Rosemarie.

"We didn't even know the police had been until a neighbour mentioned it."

Rosemarie also claims a structural engineer said the car should not be moved because the building was so unstable - but the day after the crash, it had mysteriously disappeared despite a safety fence being put up around the property.

She added: "We were told by the police the driver claimed she swerved to avoid hitting a child, and hit our house instead.

"The council has said it will claim off her insurance for the repairs but I don't even know whether she has insurance.

"Whatever happens it will take months to sort out this mess - I know we won't be back in our home before my baby is born."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed: "Officers did attend a road traffic collision involving a car and a house on Uttley Close. Inquiries showed no offence had occurred so no police investigation will be taking place."


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