Up to 50 customers were evacuated from a pub this afternoon after a car crashed into the premises – severing a gas pipe in the process.

People enjoying a post-Christmas drink were shepherded out of the North Pole in Wateringbury by a retired firefighter.

A silver Volvo lost control and smashed through the pub’s fence and into its garden at around 3.10pm after colliding with a silver Vauxhall.

A strong stench of gas then filled the air, leading the ex-fireman to take charge.

As of 4.45pm two fire engines were still at the scene and crews cut away sections of a vehicle to release a man.

Two people were handed into the care of paramedics and the gas supply has been isolated and made safe.

Speaking shortly after the crash, a witness told KentOnline: “No one seems to be badly injured but an older couple are still in the car. But they are more in shock than anything else.”

The witness, who was at the pub for a family birthday, said she was sitting in the restaurant when she heard “the most almighty bang”.

“We thought something had fallen down in the kitchen, the crash was incredible,” she added.

“A few people rushed out there and a car had fallen into the garden. Luckily it doesn't seem as if anyone was badly injured, but it could have been far worse.

“The staff at the pub were fantastic with making sure everyone was alright. Feel so sorry for them and their business, especially at this time of year.”

Kent Police confirmed its officers have been at the scene to help the fire crews.

It is understood the pub has reopened this evening.

The pub’s owners have been approached.