Oxford: Anger over lack of action after BMW abandoned

The incident happened on Saxon Way in Northway, Oxford, on Monday, May 26.

The resident of the house, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us the car 'went up the kerb and crashed into our front garden, crushing the wall'.

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Online checks show that the vehicle is untaxed and the tax was due on April 1.

The BMW crashed into the front garden on Monday, May 26 (Image: Contributed)They said the driver fled the scene and police and the fire service were 'immediately' called. An online police report was also made.

The householder said Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue attended and 'made the car safe as it was smoking', but police did not attend. 

Thames Valley Police told this newspaper on Wednesday, May 28 that there is no ongoing investigation due to it being a 'damage only collision'.

The BMW has been abandoned (Image: Contributed) The police force added that the parties had exchanged insurance details.

However, the householder disputes this and told us they are 'concerned there had been a mix-up' because they did not exchange insurance details due to the driver leaving the scene.

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The householder said other residents have since 'updated and corrected' police about what happened, as well as raising concerns about the 'unsafe nature of the car being left and people approaching it a lot'.

They added that residents are 'very worried' about if or how the car 'will ever be removed'.

"It's causing myself and the other residents of the affected properties great distress," they said.

"We are feeling increasingly unsafe with the amount of people approaching the car.

"We are very confused and let down by what is happening with the investigation (or lack of) into the man crashing the car and fleeing.

"So far it is only our two local councillors who have come out to see the car and check we are ok."

The crashed BMW (Image: Contributed) As of Friday, May 30, the car remained at the scene. 

This newspaper has approached the police force for further comment on the situation.

City councillor for Headington Hill and Northway, Nigel Chapman, says he has seen the car and has spoken to residents directly.

He told us the situation is 'unacceptable'.

"It's been four days now, the residents who have this car in their front garden effectively have been left in the dark about what's happening, with no clear plan as to when the car's going to be removed," he said.

Councillor Nigel Chapman (Image: Ed Nix) "This is despite significant pressure being applied from the MP, Anneliese Dodds, from local councillors, and from Oxford City Council officers who have regular contact with the police.

"We would have thought by now that the car would have been removed. It's very unsightly.

"This is really not acceptable and it's still a mystery as to why the police didn't come out in the first place given it was a serious incident.

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"It's just causing a lot of heartache, particularly for the residents of Saxon Way who have it literally staring at them every time they leave their front door.

"If somebody does that, they must be driving in a reckless and dangerous way. And you would think therefore it's a criminal matter."

Ms Dodds and Thames Valley Police have been approached for further comment.