An out-of-control car smashed into two homes today, hours after six people were hurt in a separate crash.

Families in Green Lane, Walsall, heard a “big bang” at 4.45am when the car careered into the terraced houses.

The Rover Saloon smashed through Debbie Morris’ garden wall before ending up wedged in front of her neighbour Tracey Whittaker’s front door.

She was forced to pass her two children, aged seven and 10, out of the front room window after smelling petrol coming from the car. The family has been told by structural engineers they cannot return to their home for another week over fears for their safety. The driver fled before emergency crews arrived.

Miss Whittaker, aged 30, said: “I was fast asleep when I heard a big bang and the whole house shook.

“I thought a lorry had overturned but when I looked out the window there was a car embedded in the doorway of my house.”

Firefighters were called to the scene.

A 23-year-old man was later arrested.

Hours earlier, the busy Wednesbury Road in Pleck, Walsall, had been closed after two cars carrying six people crashed.

Dozens of residents spilled onto the streets to watch the drama unfold as up to 10 police cars, four ambulances and two fire engines flooded the street at around 11.10pm.

Two people, both in their 20s, travelling in one of the cars were put in collars and spinal boards. Four men aged between 30 and 40 were travelling in the other car. Two were put on spinal boards while the other two were walking wounded.

All were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.

Mohammed Rafiq, who is chairman of the Palfrey and Caldmore Neighbourhood Watch, said: “They had to cut the doors off the cars to get the people out.”