A man driving a stolen vehicle smashed into two parked cars on one of Swindon's main commuter routes.

Police closed Kingshill Road after the accident, which happened early today.

The stolen silver Saab, which had been travelling down the hill, crashed into a beige Vauxhall Sintra and a green Vauxhall Cavalier.

The driver, who is currently at Princess Margaret Hospital being treated for minor back injuries, was found by police walking away from the scene after the accident, which happened at around 5.30am.

The road, which is a main route for traffic between the M4 junction 16 and Old Town, remained closed throughout the rush-hour.

The Sintra suffered only minor damage but the Cavaliar was badly smashed and a wall was also destroyed.

People living in the street were given a rude awakening by the accident.

Pensioner Vera Summerhayes, 76, said: "I just heard this colossal bang. I looked out of the window and most of the street was out. One car was nearly in my front garden.

"The young fellows next door just said the man told them he was shaken up and was going to ring somebody, but he just ran off. At first I didn't realise it had hit the wall."

A neighbour who asked not to be named said: "I just heard a big bang and heard somebody staggering about in the road. I just looked out of my window and thought my car was involved at first.

"But the guy who lives below me had had his car, a light green Vauxhall, knocked into the wall.

"The driver didn't really know what was going on then he just ran down Bowood Road.

"He had blood coming from his lip and he was bent over, saying his back was clicking or something."

Traffic was diverted away from the bottom of Kingshill Road by a police officer at Westcott Place.

And diversions were in place at the top of Kingshill Road at the junction with Bath Road.

Sgt Michael Day, of Swindon Police said: "Fortunately no one else was injured in the accident.

"It seems that the driver was travelling down the hill when he lost control and hit the two cars. He is not seriously injured and we are conducting inquiries at this moment."

Three recovery lorries were called to the scene as the road was cleared.

Officers were interviewing the man today at his bedside in the PMH.