500-year-old pub left with ‘gaping hole’ in wall after van crash

The 500-year-old pub has suffered significant damage Picture: RACHEL EDGE RACHEL EDGE

Pictures have emerged showing damage to an historic village pub in mid Suffolk after an early morning crash.

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Pictures have emerged showing damage to an historic pub in Finningham Picture: RACHEL EDGE Pictures have emerged showing damage to an historic pub in Finningham Picture: RACHEL EDGE

Police were sent to reports of a collision involving a transit van and a Mini Cooper near the White Horse Pub in Station Road, Finningham, at around 7.35am.

No-one was hurt and paramedics were initially called but not required, a Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said.

Part of the 15th century pub has been left in pieces after an early morning crash Picture: RACHEL EDGE Part of the 15th century pub has been left in pieces after an early morning crash Picture: RACHEL EDGE

The van has since been towed away and the road, which was blocked while police worked at the scene, is now back open.

Landlady Lorna Doyle has been in charge at the pub for five years.

Pictures show the extent of the damage Picture: RACHEL EDGE Pictures show the extent of the damage Picture: RACHEL EDGE

“My daughter and her partner were up early and luckily were not in the room that’s been hit at the time,” she said.

“We heard a huge bang, the sound of some sort of vehicle crashing into the side of the building.

Pictures have emerged showing damage caused to The White Horse pub following a crash in Station Road, Finningham Picture: ANDREW BROWNLIE Pictures have emerged showing damage caused to The White Horse pub following a crash in Station Road, Finningham Picture: ANDREW BROWNLIE

“I went outside to see a lot of damage.

“Thankfully both drivers were ok, the police were there and dealing with the crash and were round here investigating for a while.

Part of the wall at the White Horse in Finningham Picture: RACHEL EDGE Part of the wall at the White Horse in Finningham Picture: RACHEL EDGE

She added: “Because it’s a listed building I have no idea how much the structural damage will cost.

“I am devastated, because this is my home.

Landlady Lorna Doyle said she is "devastated" Picture: RACHEL EDGE Landlady Lorna Doyle said she is "devastated" Picture: RACHEL EDGE

“It’s almost Christmas, and I’ve been here for five years.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster running the pub anyway, and this is just the icing on the cake.”

One eyewitness, who lives nearby, captured photographs showing the damage.

“It’s left a gaping hole in the wall, there’s a lot of damage,” said neighbour Andy Brownlie.

“It’s completely demolished – it’s taken out the bit of the pub where the toilet block is.

“We know the owners and understand they were out early this morning and not inside at the time.”

A spokesman for Forefront Carpentry Contractors Ltd confirmed one of their vans was involved in this morning’s crash.

Company bosses said they are unable to provide any further comment or information at this time.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision and establish the circumstances.

To help, call Suffolk Constabulary on 101.