Two shops were damaged when a car ploughed into the front of buildings in the town centre at Harleston. The male car driver suffered minor injuries, and was arrested by police for failing to take a breath test after he discharged himself from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Two shops were damaged when a car ploughed into the front of buildings in the town centre at Harleston.

The male car driver suffered minor injuries, and was arrested by police for failing to take a breath test after he discharged himself from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The accident happened in The Thoroughfare at 11pm on Thursday and the police, ambulance, fire service and county highways officials attended.

The car struck the front of the Simply the Best shop and Denny's ironmongers' store, both of which were able to open for business yesterday, despite smashed windows which were boarded up.

Alison Murton, owner of Simply the Best, said: “We had a few hours clear-ing up glass this morning that had been pushed in. We are open at the moment although one of our best advertising features is not available, and that's our window and the Christmas gifts you can't actually see!”

County highways officials were called to clean the roadway of debris and spilled fuel from the car. Two fire crews from Harleston and Diss were also sent, it having been thought the driver was trapped in the car.