so the plot has thickened.
Took the car to the local garage to check up.... The chap confirmed that all brake pads were present and correct and had legal wear left. Upon returning to the car to sheepishly trundle it over there the grinding noise was still there but now the pedal seems very firm.
The brake lines are all still attached as well.
After the garage I limped it home... Only for the exact same thing as this.morning happen getting home.
The car won't be driven now until it goes to a specialist.... On a trailer, of course