Firefighters described how they had to deal with 'a complex and unusual rescue operation' as they freed a man from a sports car, which had crashed into a house in Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft.

Last night Lewis Richardson remained in a critical condition after suffering serious head injuries as the red Audi TT he was driving left the road and embedded itself in a family home in Long Meadow Walk.

Mr Richardson, in his early 20s, is fighting for his life at the Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, following the crash in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A police spokesman said he remained in a critical condition.

The spokesman added that the collision investigation was ongoing and no officers had been at the scene yesterday.

The three people inside the home in Long Meadow Walk, escaped unharmed, as neighbours described being awoken by what they thought was an explosion as the car careered into the house.

The car was eventually removed from the house on Sunday morning, more than eight hours after the collision had occurred.

Last night, John Tiffin, Suffolk Fire and Rescue's north area commander, said three crews from Lowestoft South station were called to the scene at 1.46am. Mr Tiffin said: 'There is no doubt that this was a complex and unusual rescue operation, made more difficult because of the structural damage to the building. Three engines from Lowestoft South fire station were sent to the incident, including our enhanced rescue tender which includes props, cutting equipment and a high platform from which to work.

'Our primary concern was for the safety of the house occupants, the injured driver and, of course, staff working to rescue him,' he added.

'The incident was under control by 2.46am and the casualty was released into the care of the ambulance service. Crews remained on scene to help make the area safe.' On the social media site, Facebook, the group #prayforlewis has been set up as prayers went out for a man described by friends as 'loved, liked and respected by so many in this town.'

Lowestoft police issued another appeal for witnesses to the collision, and are urging anyone who may have seen the incident, or who saw the red Audi TT before the collision, to call the Serious Collisions Investigation Team on 101.