A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs after a van smashed into a garden wall, causing a telegraph pole to snap and fall down.

Branch Road in Lower Darwen was temporarily closed as emergency services dealt with the crash, which happened at around 7am on today.

Police confirmed it was a single vehicle crash.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene before being taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was treated for injuries described by police as 'not serious'.

He was later taken to Greenbank Police Station where he remains in custody this evening.

Insp Craig Kelshaw said: "Residents have alerted police to a vehicle that has crashed in Branch Road, Blackburn. Officers made to the area and the driver of the vehicle was arrested.

"Initially he was taken to hospital before being taken to Blackburn custody office. No other people were injured. The driver's injuries are not serious."

Significant damage was caused to the front garden of the property and Blackburn with Darwen highways staff were called to clear away debris and to deal with the fallen telegraph pole.

Jean Norman, who had been on her way to a morning gym class, said she was redirected by police as she tried to use the road.

She said: “I live just down the road and come along here most mornings. I was shocked to see the mess which had been caused by the accident and the police and fire engines have been here.

“When I was coming back home the emergency services had left but there were people with machinery working to clear the mess away. I hope the man is OK and that the people inside the home aren’t too shaken, it must have been a real shock for them.”

Another resident added that the crash had caused interest in the area.

He said: “A lot of people have been wondering what was going on and what happened - its not what you expect to see first thing on a Saturday morning.”

The police, fire service and paramedics all attended the scene.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “We sent two fire engines and crews to the incident, which involved a van which had left the road injuring the driver but not leaving him trapped.

“The van collided with a telegraph pole. Firefighters ensured there were no remaining hazards in respect of fire, spilled fuel or oil or debris.”