A couple returning from a holiday were left devastated after discovering their £157,000 BMW had been allegedly crashed by a meet-and-greet airport parking firm.
The couple, who had just landed at Manchester Airport from the Czech Republic, expected to be reunited with their brand-new 24-plate BMW XM. Instead, they claim the parking company informed them that another vehicle had hit their car and advised them to take a taxi home—without revealing its location.
After contacting the police, they tracked down their luxury hybrid SUV, which had been abandoned in a hedge near the airport on Mill Lane, close to Castle Mill Lane in Ashley, Cheshire.
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‘They Didn’t Even Apologise’
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the couple’s daughter described their shock and frustration, alleging that the parking firm failed to take responsibility.
“When they landed, they called to say they were ready for their car. But 45 minutes later, there was still no sign of it. When they rang again, they were told another car had gone into theirs and that they should just get a taxi home. They wouldn’t even tell them where it was,” she said.
The couple, from Stoke-on-Trent, eventually located the car themselves with police assistance. Upon seeing the damage, they were heartbroken.
“They were really upset. They loved that car. Even their grandchildren had to take their shoes off before getting in,” their daughter added.
Her father, equally distraught, said: “That car means everything to me.”
Parking Firm Silent on Allegations
Attempts to contact the company, identified as Secure Parking Manchester, have been met with silence. When a journalist from the MEN called the number provided to the couple, a man answered and stated:
“I will pass it onto the office. They deal with the complaints’ side and they will give you a call back, mate.”
However, no follow-up call or response to emails was received.
Police Confirm Crash Investigation
Cheshire Police confirmed they were alerted by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to a BMW crashing into a hedge at 1:53 pm on Saturday, February 22.
“There were no reports of any injuries, and the vehicle was recovered from the scene,” a police spokesperson stated.
GMP officers attended the scene and confirmed the driver passed a breath test. No arrests were made, and no mention was made of a second vehicle being involved in the crash.
Manchester Airport has previously warned travellers about unregulated parking firms operating in the area, with some services offering “meet and greet” parking but failing to meet expected standards.
The couple, still reeling from the incident, are now seeking answers about what happened to their beloved BMW.
