Van crashes into Maulden thatched cottage front door Published duration 11 October 2017

image copyright South Beds News Agency image caption No-one is thought to have been injured in the crash

A white van has crashed through the front door of a listed 16th Century thatched cottage.

It is thought the vehicle came off at a bend on Ampthill Road, in Maulden, Bedfordshire, on Tuesday before it crossed a grass verge, went through a hedge and embedded itself in the house.

A 34-year-old man from Maulden was arrested on suspicion of being unable to drive through drink or drugs.

No-one is thought to have been hurt in the crash.

Val Fossey, who lives in the cottage, said there was "a dreadful noise - like an earthquake" when the van struck.

image copyright Alan Plom image caption The van crashed through the front door and is said to have gone into the hall and kitchen

She was in the living room with her husband Steve when the van crashed into their home, which they have lived in for 14 years, at about 22:35 BST.

"This van came flying over a hedge and crashed into our hall and kitchen," she said. "If I had left the room I don't know what would have happened.

"We are not right on the bend and we are about 20 yards from the road," she said. "He must have been going fast to go over the verge.

"There are cracks going up the wall into the bedroom.

"I don't know when we will be allowed back in."

image copyright South Beds News Agency image caption Val and Steve Fossey have lived in the 16th Century cottage for 14 years

Central Bedfordshire Council's structural engineers have said the house is structurally safe.

A spokesman said an expert had checked the building, and the area that the van damaged had been shored up.

The authority said it was waiting for the insurers to take over the case and it was not clear when the family would be able to return home.

image copyright Alan Plom image caption A police cordon has been put in place around the property

image copyright South Beds News Agency image caption The house has been assessed and deemed to be structurally sound

image caption A 34-year-old man has been arrested over the crash