Two people arrested after car crashes into charity property

Two people have been arrested after a car crashed into an assisted livingproperty in south Belfast.

Police received a report at 03:45 BST that a blue Volkswagen Golf was driven into a wall, and then a conservatory, in Dorchester Park.

Residents who were in the residential property at the time had to be evacuated in the middle of the night.

A 21-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit and a number of additional driving-related offences. They both remain in custody.

"Extensive damage was caused to the vehicle involved, the property and three other vehicles in the area," Insp Colhoun said.

"This is a shocking incident, and it's only by sheer luck that we aren't dealing with much more serious consequences this morning," Colhoun said.

"The residents of the property had to be moved in the middle of the night, which was an extremely distressing experience for them."

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

The property is operated by Sense, a disability charity, and houses six people.

However, only five of those were staying in the property overnight, along with one member of night staff.

In a statement, Sense said: "Thankfully, all the people we support at the service, along with staff on duty, are safe and receiving appropriate support.

"We are working closely with families, local partners and emergency services to ensure everyone affected has suitable temporary accommodation and ongoing care."

Sense said the property has sustained "significant damage and remains under assessment".

Kevin Fennell, who lives beside the house, said he heard a lot of commotion during the night.

It is "traumatic for the people in the house," he said.

He described the house as "almost demolished" and said he hoped the people inside are okay.