Two cars crashed into a pub in the early hours after a driver failed to stop when being chased by police.

Officers were pursuing a black Vauxhall Viva when it collided with a Peugeot outside the Hare and Hounds in Ramsgate, causing both vehicles to plough into the pub.

A 20-year-old man from the town, alleged to be the driver of the Vauxhall, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft, possessing a bladed article and possession of herbal cannabis.

He was uninjured and remains in custody but the silver Peugeot 307 driver - a 40-year-old man from the local area - was taken to hospital with an arm injury.

No police cars made contact with either of the vehicles, but the incident - which happened just after 2am - will be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Officers in the serious collision investigation unit would like to hear from anybody who witnessed the collision, or who may have seen the vehicles travelling in the moments leading up to it.

They are particularly keen to hear from drivers who may have dash camera footage of the incident, which happened at the junction with Margate Road and Newington Road.

Two fire engines were also called out to the incident.

Crews worked with paramedics to assess the driver of one car and assessed the structure of the building for safety purposes.

A Kent and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The driver was trapped by his injuries and needed to be cut free from the vehicle.

“Using hydraulic rescue equipment, firefighters released the man who was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital. Crews made the scene safe.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police 01622 798538, quoting AW/DJ/263/17. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.