A CAR flipped on its side damaging a number of gravestones after crashing into a wall on Saturday morning.

Police were called after reports a silver Vauxhall Astra, which was allegedly stolen, damaged a number of gravestones at Lytchett Minister Parish Church, on Dorchester Road, at 10.11am.

It is understood people in the car fled the scene following the crash.

Two men, aged 20 and 21 - both from Poole - were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and driving offences.

The men are assisting police with enquiries.

A 16-year-old girl, who was arrested at the scene, was later de-arrested and will be voluntarily assisting police.

No one was injured in the incident.

PC Hannah White, of Dorset Police, said: "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of the vehicle prior to the incident to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle described driving around the Poole area earlier this morning."

Jonathan White, who lives on Dorchester Road near to where the incident happened, said he heard tyres squeal and went to help at the scene.

"I went upstairs and my eldest daughter was screaming. I could see dust coming up from behind the hedge and could hear a lot of shouting and swearing.

"A man we know was running towards the car and by the time I got round their he helped them out and then they ran away.

"I couldn't believe they managed to get out of the car without any injuries.

"A lady I spoke to said they nearly ran people over in Upton and they had overtaken her on the road.

"People often seem to misjudge the bend and end up against the wall - we often hear squealing of tyres.

"There is a school right there and it should be a 20 mile per hour limit.

"It wasn't a surprise for there to be an accident, but I didn't expect people to run off."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police quoting incident number 28:145.