A MAN was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a car smashed into the front of a shop, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Police said a woman stood nearby may have been assaulted in the moments after the crash in Harrison Street, Bank Top, Blackburn.

But detectives said they did not yet know whether the crash at 10pm last night was deliberate or accidental and they urged witnesses to come forward.

Paul Riley, the boss of KKL Windows said the Volkswagen Gold had caused around £6,000 of damage to his business.

Mr Riley said: “The doors and windows of the shop have been destroyed.

“Where the car smashed into the building is the main entrance but people can’t get in anymore.

"I’m having to send them through the showroom so it’s disrupting business.”

Mr Riley praised the police for their response to the incident, but said concern over crime in the area had led him to invest £2,000 in a CCTV system.

And this system captured part of the incident.

Mr Riley said: “The CCTV shows the accident and someone getting out of the car.

"It looks like they got out holding a crowbar and approached a woman stood nearby.”

Police said it was too early to say whether a weapon had been used in the alleged assault.

Detective Sergeant Mark Winstanley, of Blackburn CID, said the Volkwagen was abandoned nearby.

He said a 25-year-old Blackburn man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and alleged public order offences.

“It has also been reported that a female may have been assaulted in the area.

“It is understood there were a number of people in the area. I would urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.