THE driver of this car fled after losing control and crashing through the railings at Worcester's Pitchcroft racecourse.

Police are now hunting the driver of the dark red Fiat Stilo after the accident in Castle Street at about 7am yesterday.

The front right-hand side of the car was badly damaged, while the section of the railings it smashed into was removed.

A police officer who was at the scene, said: "Someone just called it in and they left but it wasn't the driver. No pedestrians and no other cars were involved. It's lucky, actually.

"He probably came down and lost control of the car around the bend, swerved and hit the railings and came to a stop."

The vehicle was taken away at about 9.45am.

Pitchcroft estate manager Andrew Broughton said that because he had not seen where the incident happened, he could not say who was responsible for replacing the railings.

"I think, depending on where it's happened, it might even be the council because the big gates are still run by the council and they own that bit that comes around the corner," he said.

Worcester City Council leader Simon Geraghty said he too believed it was the responsibility of the council but said there might be a delay in getting replacement railings.

He said: "I think it's a similar situation to whenever there's damage to the road bridge, when there's quite a delay getting the stuff manufactured."

A concrete block was used to temporarily replace a section of the stone balustrade on Worcester bridge after it was damaged by a bus.

Mr Geraghty said: "With railings it's probably a much simpler job and materials are easier to get hold of, but it's quite ornate in parts.

"We would hope to get that repaired and brought back into something befitting the area as soon as practically possible, with the tourist season coming."

Anybody with any information about the crash is asked to contact police on 08457 444888.