A DRIVER had a lucky escape when his car was washed away by the weight of water at the Moyles Court ford near Ringwood.

The incident happened shortly after 6pm on Sunday following torrential rain. Torrents flooding off the New Forest into Dockens Water meant the stream was in full flow when the Renault Scenic was driven into the ford.

The current washed the car off the road surface down into the stream, spinning it round as it sank and grounded on the river bed.

With water more than 3ft deep washing over the bonnet the driver, thought to be a man in his 50s from Ringwood, had to scramble through the sunroof and wade to safety.

Ringwood firefighters arrived to rescue the driver, but he had freed himself already.

Police put out signs and cones to stop other motorists from driving into the torrent.

The car was still abandoned in the stream yesterday morning.

Ringwood fire station manager Kevin Morrison said: "The river was running too fast for anyone to get it out. It was too dangerous."