A car has been lifted from the River Hiz in Hitchin this evening after the vehicle crashed through barriers and into the water.

The vehicle, a black SUV, smashed through the rails at the Portmill Lane West Car Park this afternoon (February 24) and became submerged.

Herts police and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were quickly on the scene, with the vehicle lifted from Hiz and placed on a recovery truck just before 7pm.

Officers at the scene refused to comment on the incident, but it is believed the driver escaped from the car following the incident.

The Comet: The car was lifted out of the river just before 7pm.The car was lifted out of the river just before 7pm. (Image: Dan Mountney)

“The car was in the car park and it suddenly accelerated and went right through the barrier into the water,” an eyewitness told Comet reporter Dan Mountney.

Herts police have been contacted for comment, and The Comet is awaiting a response.

The Comet: Police and Fire and Rescue crews at the scene.Police and Fire and Rescue crews at the scene. (Image: Dan Mountney)

The Comet: The car being lifted from the River Hiz.The car being lifted from the River Hiz. (Image: Dan Mountney)