IT is still not clear how a car managed to plunge 20ft into the sea from the Teignmouth seawall.

The BMW Z3 convertible was driven along the footway beside the railway line towards Sprey Point early on Sunday morning, and somehow went over the side, landing upside down.

The 37-year-old driver from the Avon area had a lucky escape as the tide was receding and the depth of water was shallow. He managed to scramble out, and was helped by passers-by.

He was badly shaken but sustained only minor injuries, and was treated for hypothermia at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to hospital for further checks and treatment.

Fears there might have been somebody else in the car were discounted after an examination by police divers.

Coastguards, the local lifeboat, police and ambulance personnel, all attended the scene after numerous emergency calls from the public around 8am.

There were several witnesses, and one said the driver seemed to be performing ‘wheelies’ outside the Eastcliff Cafe just before pushing open the gate to the seawall, and driving several hundred yards.

‘It is very narrow, and just about enough room for a vehicle, but it would have to be driven very gingerly and slowly.’

Police are investigating, and interviewing the driver and witnesses.