Car crashes through newly reopened butcher's shop

A car has crashed through the front of a village butchers just days after it reopened following a major refurbishment.

The vehicle ploughed into the front window of Eric Lyons Butchers on Station Road in Balsall Common, near Coventry, just after 12:00 GMT.

Nick Lyons, from the family-run business that dates back to the 1800s, said the crash caused extensive damage, with the car going through "90% of the front of the shop". The premises will now be shut for repairs until January.

In a Facebook post, Lyons said a customer and two staff members were inside the shop at the time but nobody was hurt. West Midlands Ambulance Service said a woman was assessed but discharged at the scene.

"There was a customer in the back right and two members of staff were behind the butchers counter and jumped up on the wooden block so we are all fine," Lyons said.

"Everyone is safe, please do not worry and it will look beautiful again come January."

The Balsall Common branch had reopened on Monday after being closed for two weeks for extensive refurbishment works.

Dozens of customers left messages of support on social media following the incident.

One person wrote: "What a shame you've worked so hard to get it open and then. Anyway everyone is safe that's the main thing."

Another added: "Glad everyone is OK! Already looking forward to reopening in January."

Eric Lyons also operates shops in Knowle, Bentley Heath and Codsall.

On its website, the company says: "Our master butchers are the best in the business, with generations of our family passing on master craftsmanship in the art of preparing meat."

West Midlands Police have been approached for comment.

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