Car crashes into pub in Kent on day of reopening

040720-car crashes into Swan Inn pub in Kent on day of reopening-PA Images
Despite the damage caused, they have still gone ahead with their plans to reopen. Credit: PA Images

A pub in Kent has been left with a hole in its side after a car crashed into it in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At around 2am, a 4x4 careered into The Swan Inn based in Little Chart in Ashford, causing a section of wall on the historic pub to collapse.

It comes on the day pubs were allowed to reopen, under new easing of the lockdown rules.

Owners say they have been left 'devastated', but despite the damage caused, they have still gone ahead with their plans to reopen.

Ray Perkins told the PA news agency: "It was absolutely devastating because obviously we were opening today. We've had everybody rally round and clear up the bar, every single glass has had to be washed again."

On the pub's Facebook page, staff wrote: 'Our garden is open please come & show some support to our amazing landlady & landlord. Our marquees are up & The Swan shall rise again'.

Despite the damage caused, the pub garden is still open for customers. Credit: PA Images

Kent Police said it was called to the scene shortly before 2.25am alongside paramedics and the fire service.

Three 17-year-old boys inside the car were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent and drink driving. He was questioned by police and released under investigation.