THREE diners were left injured after a car ploughed into an Indian restaurant on New Year's Eve.

The crash happened shortly after 8pm at Chaula's restaurant in Eastgate Street, Lewes.

Owner Chaula Patel said the restaurant was fully booked, and said two large window panels were smashed, leaving her customers needing stitches.

The driver is then believed to have driven off from the crash.

Ms Patel, who has owned the restaurant for 12 years, said: "Three people were hurt, it was absolutely shocking. 

"I was there working, and I'm still not fully with it. I don't know how to explain it.

"A car was coming down the road, perhaps it was going the wrong way. 

"It lost control and crashed through the window. There were five people eating at the table. They needed some stitches.

"I thought 'goodness gracious', but it could also have been much worse.

"I don't know if the driver had been drinking. He just ran away, he drove off."

Police confirmed three people were injured in the crash.

On Twitter one witness wrote: "So much for a quiet night out in Lewes. Luckily no one seriously hurt cuts and bruises....hope they catch the p**** who just drove off in a silver Discovery."

Were you in the restaurant at the time? Share your story. Call 01273 021383 or email: aidan.barlow@theargus.co.uk