A PROUD Audi owner has been left reeling after a council bin lorry crashed into a car port, crushing his car.

Mario Kyriacou heard “a massive crash” but didn’t realise it was the sound of the concrete car port at his Colchester flat toppling down on the £40,000 sports car- because a bin lorry had reversed into it.

Last night Colchester Council said it “regretted” the incident and was investigating.

Mr Kyriacou, 51, of Ranger Walk, said: “The car has been completely written off.

“It is an older car but a top of the range ‘S4’ convertible. When it was new it was £40,000. it was in immaculate condition.”

The costly calamity unfolded around 11.15am yesterday when the dad-of-two was at home.

Mr Kyriacou said: “I was on the phone and heard a massive crash.

“When the binmen are around, it is normally very loud.

“I thought it was a bit louder than normal, now I know why.

“I had a neighbour knock on my door at 4pm to ask if I had seen the car port.

“I looked out and you can imagine - I could see the car port had collapsed and I have got an Audi convertible and it is my pride and joy.”

Mr Kyriacou found the scene of devastation had been cordoned off.

But the red-faced binmen were nowhere to be seen.

Mr Kyriacou said: “Someone has put the barriers around and tape and there are two business cards - one for the property management company and then they have left an insurance card to the third party along with the policy number, time of incident ,vehicle details and driver’s details.

“They have given everything a person might need to make a claim.”

A neighbour’s motorcycle was also crushed but the owner had not returned before the Gazette went to press.

Mr Kyriacou added: “I am still in shock, it is disbelief and I’m very upset indeed. But what can you do?

“At least no one was hurt and I hope I can replace my car.”

A Colchester Council spokesman described the incident as “unfortunate”.

He added: “We regret the incident and we are following our procedures.

“We are in the process of involving our insurers.”