HASLEMERE residents were shocked by a ‘hit and run’ incident which caused extensive damage to the town war memorial in the High Street.

Surrey Police have launched an appeal for any witnesses who can help track down the driver to get in touch.

The town council manages the war memorial and is planning a special ceremony this year as part of the nationwide commemorations to mark the centenary year of the end of WWI.

Town clerk Lisa O’Sullivan has also appealed for help to locate the driver in the hope the council can claim compensation for the costly restoration works that will be needed.

Mrs O’Sullivan told The Herald: “At about 8.40pm on Monday night, residents heard a loud noise and looked out to find that a car had crashed into the wall.

“Some young female passengers were seen heading into The Swan pub.

“The male driver was not able to re-start his car and onlookers helped him to push it off the road.

“Unfortunately no-one called the police and the driver did not report the accident.

“A quick-thinking resident took photos, however, and full details of the incident have been passed to the police who are investigating.”

Anyone with information about the accident on Monday night should call the police on 101.

They are also aksed to contact Lisa O’Sullivan by emailing: town.clerk@ haslemeretc.org or calling her on (01428) 654305.