A DRIVER has been arrested after his car crashed into a garage.

Police were called to Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, at 1.20am on Saturday after a Mini Cooper crashed.

A 26-year-old man from Cold Norton, who was not thought to be injured, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

He was bailed until February 7 pending further inquiries.

Alex Rotherz, who lives nearby, was woken at about 1.30am by two or three “very loud bangs” and saw an upset young woman on his driveway who screamed there had been a car crash.

Mr Rotherz said the homeowners and another neighbour stayed with the driver while he stayed with the woman and her male friend.

“The home owners were brilliant about it, very caring and nice, really good people,” he said.

“What a real shame before Christmas.

“It's not the first time cars have crashed down this road, but this is the first in this way for many, many years, maybe the first in about 15 years.

“I'm just glad everyone was okay, I’m glad no-one was hurt.”

The car was still stuck in the side of the garage Monday and the front window of the house was smashed, said Mr Rotherz.