A woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after crashing into a cafe, leading to homes being evacuated. 

Several properties in Wickford were evacuated as a precaution last night after a road traffic collision caused a gas leak.

A silver car crashed into Nevendon Cafe, on Nevendon Road, at roughly 8.15pm. 

No-one was trapped inside the vehicle and the shop was badly damaged by the collision. 

Crews requested the urgent attendance of the gas board to isolate the supply to the store and worked alongside police officers to enforce a temporary cordon in the area.

Firefighters left the scene in the care of the gas board at 10.30pm.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers have responded to a road traffic collision in Nevendon Road, Wickford.

"We received reports just before 8.15pm today, Thursday, June 21, that a car had driven into a cafe.

"Our partners in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service are working to make the area and the residents safe.

"A number of flats and shops have been evacuated as a precaution, the road has been closed and a cordon put in place.

"A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving."