A VAN has smashed into a house in Clacton.

Police were called to Chantry Close after a van crashed into the front of a home on Tuesday afternoon.

A 37-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in relation to the incident.

Stewart Bates, 37, of Wash Lane, Clacton, however, has now been charged with dangerous driving and two counts of criminal damage with intent to endanger life.

The collision left damage to the front of the house, opposite Clacton's Brook Retail Park Tesco store, and severed a gas main.

It is understood the driver was not seriously hurt in the crash, but a man was subsequently taken to hospital.

A 34-year-old man from Clacton was arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm, but will face no further action. 

Lisa Jolly, who lives in nearby London Road, was shocked to see the aftermath of the crash.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Scene - damagae was left to the front of the house in Chantry Close, Clacton.

"I live about 300 yards away and came home to find the road blocked," she said.

"Seeing a van in the front of a house was shocking.

"The impact has taken out the front of the house, including the downstairs loo.

"I couldn't see much else as the fire and police were there - the van was still there at about 10.55pm.

"I was told by a PCSO that the driver has been taken to Colchester Hospital."

Seeing a van in the front of a house was shocking. The impact has taken out the front of the house, including the downstairs loo.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the van collided with the house at around 4.50pm.

"The electricity had been turned off for a number of homes in the area and engineers were on site," he said.

"Drivers were asked to avoid the area where possible.

"Two men have been arrested. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

"A second man his 30s was arrested on suspicion of GBH."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said two crews from Clacton were called to the scene.

A spokesman said: "Crews were called to Chantry Close after a van collided with a house.

"When crews arrived the driver was safety out of the van, but the gas mains outside the house had been severed.

"Crews worked with UK Power Network to ensure there was no gas leak and the scene was safe."

Firefighters left the scene at 6.35pm.

The East of England Ambulance Service added: "We sent an ambulance, rapid response vehicle and ambulance officer to an address in Clacton.

"One patient received treatment before he was transported to hospital for further assessment and care."

The van was removed and the front of the house boarded up overnight.

 

Mr Bates appeared via a video link at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Thursday June 4, and is now due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court at the start of next month, on July 2.