A young man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving last night after a Mini Cooper smashed into a charity shop in Canterbury.

The vehicle caused structural damage estimated at thousands of pounds to the RSPCA shop in St Dunstan's Street.

It happened shortly before 10.30pm and firefighters were called after smoke was believed to be coming from the car, which turned out to be steam.

Terry Thompson, 46, owns the property and lives in the two floors above the shop with his partner Jo Kidd and their three-year-old daughter Rosa.

Mr Thompson said the family were preparing for bed at around 10.20pm when the crash happened.

"We heard an almighty bang – the whole building shook," he said. "I looked out of the window and saw a Mini sticking out of the building. I just don't know how they could have done it.

"I saw two lads standing by the car – they looked utterly dazed. I was told they were going out to get a kebab."

The impact had severely damaged a brick pile which supports the 19th century building.

Initially Mr Thompson and Ms Kidd feared they would have to find somewhere else to stay.

However, workmen have been able to stabilise the structure with temporary support struts.

Mr Thompson said: "This is going to cost tens of thousands to repair."

A 24-year-old man was in police custody this morning and due to be interviewed about the crash.