A pub garden has been obliterated after a VW Passat veered off the road and smashed into a seating area.

Bosses at the Red Lion in St Peters, Broadstairs, say it was lucky no one was killed in last night's incident.

Police were called to Vicarage Street at about 7.30pm, where officers arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving.

A major clean-up operation was conducted and the historic pub, which sits on the junction with St Peters High Street, has had to undergo structural repairs as a result of the damage.

Long-term manager Sarah Richmond, who came rushing downstairs to see debris scattered across the ground following the crash, said: "If anyone was sitting out in the garden they wouldn't be alive.

"Usually, if the sun was out everyone would be out there as that is the sun-trap side.

"But thankfully no one was sitting outside at the time."

Ms Richmond says damage has been caused to a car, a bollard, and the pub's garden furniture and door - which has "potentially made the building structurally unsafe".

"Everyone was shocked by it and we all had to leave and close the pub early," she added.

"I wasn't allowed back in until 2.30am as they needed to make it structurally safe by putting in a metal pole to support where the door was damaged.

"I can't fault any of the locals - they came out and made tea and offered beds if needed.

"I've been here I don't know how many years and have never experienced anything like this."

The pub remains shut as it awaits another inspection before customers can make a return.

Damage to the pub is set to be covered by insurance.