THIS is the terrifying moment an alleged drunk forklift driver went on a rampage that left multiple cars smashed to bits.
Horror footage showed how the dangerous driver managed to flip one motor completely upside down as shocked passengers desperately tried to escape.
Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted to several reports in Newton Abbot after witnesses described a forklift causing damage near an industrial estate.
The dangerous driver has been arrested following the horror incident.
According to onlookers, the forklift began lifting up one vehicle which had several people inside.
They were able to escape before it was completely flipped in the middle of the road.
One witness said: “I was doing some fishing there – we normally park on that road.
“I saw a forklift in front of us, and suddenly, it started lifting this car with a father and son inside.
“They jumped out of the car before the forklift was able to flip it over, and he smashed up the car.
“I believe that was one of four cars that was targeted.”
The video went on to show the same forklift smashing into another vehicle before a police car arrives on the scene.
Officers can be seen trying to prevent the forklift crashing into a third car between Forde Road and Quay Road in the Devon town.
They then approach the forklift driver as debris from the damaged motors can be seen scattered across the street.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 50s.
A spokesperson stated: “We received numerous calls from members of the public at around 9.40pm on Thursday 29 May following a report of a forklift driving through Queen Street and Quay Road, Newton Abbot, damaging a number of vehicles.
“Officers attended and arrested a suspect.
“A man in his 50s from Newton Abbot was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drink and criminal damage.
“He remains in police custody at this time.”
Although a total number is not clear, it is thought that up to five motors were damaged in the rampage.
Officials say thousands of pounds’ worth of damage has been inflicted.
A representative for Newton Abbot Fire Station indicated that they were first summoned to address a fuel leak from a car in the Brunel Industrial Estate before becoming aware of the incident.
They said they discovered “an unusual road traffic collision being managed as a police incident, involving a forklift and a private motor vehicle.”
They also added that “all persons were free and clear of the vehicle and were uninjured on the scene”.
Firefighters removed the fuel from the area and isolated the battery of the car so it was safe to move.
