A motorist lost control of her car and ended up upside down in a petrol station because a water bottle got wedged below the brakes.

The driver said she was unable to apply the brakes in her red Ford Ka as she approached a queue of traffic on the A27 near Lewes at 4pm on Wednesday last week.

She narrowly avoided crashing into other vehicles by taking the slip road into the petrol station.

Then she collided with a metal post used to protect the fuel pumps.

She had a lucky escape as her car then flipped over and was left upside down on the forecourt.

After the crash she told police she had been unable to apply the brakes but following an examination, no fault was found.

PC Gary Douglas, from the Polegate Roads Policing Unit, said: “Following an examination of the car we found a full bottle of water, which was crumpled.

“While we cannot say for certain, it is highly likely the bottle has rolled under the pedals and prevented the driver from applying the brakes.

“It is imperative motorists ensure any items within their vehicles are stowed correctly before they start their journey so as not to interfere with any pedals or controls.

“The driver in this case was left shaken but thankfully unhurt. Had it not been for her quick thinking, it could have been a whole lot worse.”