The driver was trapped in his cab after the delivery of building materials to the property in Billericay went spectacularly wrong.

Essex Fire Service said: “Firefighters were called to assist at the scene of a crane which had fallen onto the roof of a house in Billericay.

“The crane was being used to lower materials over the property, but tipped over and fell onto the roof of the house.

“When firefighters arrived they reported that the driver of the crane was trapped inside the cab of the crane.

“Firefighters worked with the Ambulance Service and to rescue the driver of the crane.”

The BBC reported the crane belongs to Snook’s Lifting who declined to comment until it had established what happened.

Witness Rob Hayes said: “It seems they were having an extension around the back. The doors were being hoisted over and the crane has tipped and gone through the roof.

“It is a disaster and must be very unsettling. I would expect the family will be very shaken up.”