POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a 4X4 crashed and drove off.

The vehicle ploughed through windows at Chaula’s Indian restaurant in Eastgate, Lewes, on New Year’s Eve.

It left four diners injured and bleeding.

But the driver, who had reversed through the window, then drove off.

One diner required stitches.

Now police are hunting the driver of the vehicle, which drove off toward Friars Walk.

PC Martyn Quick said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this collision and would like to hear from anyone who could identify the vehicle or the driver.

“Please get in touch with us if you can help.”

Two of the diners who were injured were treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, but are understood to have made a recovery.

Manager Neel Patel described hearing the screams of customers as the incident happened.

He said: “I grabbed the first aid kit and some towels and our customers all helped to look after those who were hurt.

“Everyone was shocked, shattered glass went everywhere.”

He said the damage will have to be repaired at the listed building.

For now, half of the restaurant has been closed off, and the windows boarded with plywood.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote serial 1291 of 31/12 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk.