Couple forced to move for Christmas after car smashes into home

A MAGICIAN and his partner have had to move out of their Hythe home over Christmas after a car crashed into it.

Edward Askham-Spencer and Svenja Schmekthal said their flat in Sir Christopher Court in the village was left “uninhabitable” after a white Vauxhall Mokka vehicle went through the front window on Saturday afternoon.

It is understood the man at the wheel suffered a medical episode just prior to the incident, at 12.26pm at the junction between South Street and St John’s Street.

While he was unhurt, he was reportedly trapped in the vehicle and the fire brigade were called out to extract him.

The couple said they were “thankful” the driver was okay.

Neighbours and residents reported hearing a “load bang” when the incident happened.

A Hampshire police spokesman told the A&T: “We were called at 12.26pm on Saturday to a single vehicle collision. A white Vauxhall Mokka collided with a building at Sir Christopher Court.

“The driver of the vehicle was uninjured but was taken to Southampton General Hospital.”

Writing on Facebook, former paratrooper Mr Askham-Spencer (33) said: “I had some terrible news. While I was out performing at a gig an older gentleman had a health issue and crashed into our flat.

“A lot of our things have been damaged and destroyed, the flat is now inhabitable. Just thankful that nobody was hurt.”

For now the couple are staying with friends while they decide what to do next. Mr Askham-Spencer heads up Askham Magic Productions and has his own YouTube channel.

His next production is Magic at the Hilton, which is being staged at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on 28th December.

He said: “We have had lots of kind offers and requests of ‘how can we help?’. The biggest help we need at the moment is with the show.

“If you can support the show it would be such a great help at the moment. Bring friends, colleagues and family. Thank you so much for everything at this tough time.”

For more information and tickets go to www.askham-magic.com/southampton.