A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a car crashed into a block of flats.

At around 11.45pm on Friday residents in The Rookeries, Marks Tey, heard a bang.

A car had swerved off the road and had crashed into the front of a block of flats.

An eyewitness said: “We heard this almighty bang and when we looked out a car seemed to swerve off the road or misjudge the turning and crashed through the fence and into the corner of the block of flats.

“The entire block has been evacuated as the building itself has cracks in it and they need to assess the damage.

“About three police cars, two fire engines and two ambulances were on the scene very quickly.”

She said a man, thought to be the driver, was saved by residents before being taken away in an ambulance.

She added: “The car had been on fire so some of the local residents helped free a man and take him to a safe area to wait for the emergency services and some residents communicated with him.

“He was stretchered onto the ambulance shortly afterwards, as far as I’m aware he was conscious then.

“Everyone had gone by 1am other than a police car who is patrolling in front of the building to ensure no-one goes in and the car was still there.”

A man was arrested on suspicious of drug driving.

A police spokesman said: “We were called shortly before 11.45pm with reports that a black X-Type Jaguar had been in collision with a block of flats.

“Residents were evacuated from the building due to structural damage caused by the collision.

“A 21-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious but non life changing injuries.

“He has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving and remains in police custody whilst enquiries continue.”

Witnesses or anyone who was in the area at the time are asked to contact Colchester Police Station on 101, quoting incident 1417 of June 7.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.