Pudsey barber forced to close shop temporarily after car ploughs through front window

A Pudsey barber has been forced to close his shop temporarily after a car ploughed through the front of his building - destroying interior walls and bursting water pipes.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

An Audi smashed into Creating Utopia Tattoo Studio and Philip Nicholas barbers during a police chase in the early hours of Thursday (June 17).

Police patrols spotted a black Audi A4 on Richardshaw road, Stanningley, and signalled to the driver to stop.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The driver didn't stop and drove off, before crashing through the window - before the driver fled the scene.

"There is also extensive damage on my side""There is also extensive damage on my side"
"There is also extensive damage on my side"

At around 5.40am officers attended an address in Pudsey

A man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, failing to stop and assault of police officers.

The man was taken to hospital.

He was found to have serious injuries and is continuing to receive treatment.

"There is also extensive damage on my side""There is also extensive damage on my side"
"There is also extensive damage on my side"

Phil Townend, a barber at Philip Nicholas, told the YEP there has been "extensive damage" to his shop following the crash.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "The tattoo half has obviously taken the brunt but there is also extensive damage on my side.

"The ceiling has had to be propped up and the collision also took out two internal walls.

"The dividing walls have been demolished, the electrics aren't on and the water has had to be turned off as a pipe burst.

"Our temporary workstation was also destroyed."

The Pudsey community has now rallied together to donate more than £1,000 in just a few hours to support the owners of the parade of shops.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steven Lightfoot is the managing director of Pudsey Computers - based opposite the crash scene.

He set up the GoFundMe page - available by clicking here - on Thursday afternoon.

Just hours later, more than £1,250 had been raised.

Speaking to the YEP, Steven said: "They are both really good guys and I know they have a lot of local customers that want to see them back up and running as soon as they can."

Phil wanted to thank the community for their efforts.

He added: "I am totally overwhelmed by people's generosity and offers of practical and financial assistance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Thanks to everyone who has sent messages of support, supported us financially or sent messages of support.

"It's very much appreciated.

"We hope to be back soon."

The barbers from Philip Nicholas are now based around Leeds due to the aftermath of the crash.

Phil added: "We shall be temporarily be working from the following locations until the shop is made safe and the necessary building work has been done:

"Phil - Bella Bonce, Richardshaw Lane (3 doors up from the Great Northern)

"Esmee - The H.I.V.E. (opposite Philip Nicholas)

"Lee and Jimmy - The Edge Boutique, 2 Queen Street, Morley, LS27 9DG"

Related topics: