A young Whangārei driver escaped serious injury after his car crashed into the Red Rat clothing store on Tuesday evening.

He was the single occupant of a black sedan , police say.

Police are investigating the 7.30pm incident.

“The vehicle involved has lost control at the roundabout with Robert Street, colliding with a parked vehicle and the storefront of a (John Street) retail store,” a police spokesperson said.

“Fortunately, the 17-year-old driver did not sustain any injuries, nor did any members of the public.”

A witness, who did not want to be named, said they saw the driver lose control as they were attempting to perform a skid.

The vehicle caused thousands of dollars in damage.

On Wednesday morning, temporary fencing had been erected and cones had been placed at the store entrance.

Brodie Stone is the education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.