Man arrested after car crashes into Ottery church
The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry Ife - Credit: Archant
An Ottery church has been left with a huge hole in its wall after a car crash.
Police were called at 12.30am on Sunday to Mill Street, Ottery St Mary following reports of a vehicle colliding with the wall of St Anthony's Catholic Church.
Haydn Banfield, 26, from The Signals, Honiton, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when above the alcohol limit.
He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 26.
A 26-year-old man from Ottery St Mary was also arrested but was released with no further action being taken.
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A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called by the police at 00.47 on Sunday after a car had collided with the corner of the church, causing damage and partial collapse of the roof.
"The two occupants of the car had left the area.
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"Two appliances attended and we stabilised and then extricated the vehicle and building control checked the structure of the building.
"The footpath and surrounding area were closed for safety reasons. The incident was left in the hands of the police."