A VAN driver smashed into a lamppost and through a Newport man's garden wall before driving away.

The actions of the driver have been labelled "disgusting" by the owner who said it's lucky his grandchildren were not in the front garden at the time.

Reg Haycock, 60, a lorry driver, told the Argus he was woken by a loud crashing noise on Saturday morning.

He said: "I didn't know what it was.

"By the time I got to the window all I could see was my smashed wall and a white delivery van with a tail-lift driving away from it.

"I didn't have time to get a registration number but no-one in the street had ordered anything so the van must have been lost."

The incident happened at Mr Haycock's home in St David's Crescent, Gaer, just before 9am.

Mr Haycock said it was lucky his grandchildren were not playing in the garden at the time.

He said: "My grandchildren often come over to visit at the weekends and play in the garden. I just feel lucky they weren't here.

"Anyone walking past or in the garden at the time would have had it. "I can't believe he just drove away and didn't stop or knock the door - it's disgusting. For all he knows he could have hurt someone."

Electricity company staff had to be called to secure the lamppost and the police were informed.

A spokeswoman for Gwent police confirmed the incident had been reported and was being investigated by officers.

Mr Haycock's six-foot high wall will have to be rebuilt.