Luton cars-into-house crash leads to arrest of man

Resident Gary Shafer said he was woken up by a "bang" and had had to move out of his flat

A man has been arrested after two cars crashed into a building making it "structurally unsafe".

Residents of four flats were made homeless on Wheatfield Road, Luton, at about 02:45 BST on Monday.

Bedfordshire Police said a black Vauxhall Astra collided with a silver Ford Fiesta and both hit the property.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and remained in police custody.

Two men ran from the Vauxhall and the Ford's driver was taken to hospital with a hand injury, a police spokeswoman said.

The properties have been boarded up to keep them secure

Gary Schafer, who lives in one of the flats, said he was woken up by a "bang".

"It was horrible, nasty and I am just glad no-one got killed," he said.

"We are now homeless because it is structurally unsafe."

He said his bathroom was demolished and him and his wife were staying with friends until he could be re-homed.

Luton Borough Council said it was a "distressing situation" and it was "working with residents to provide alternative accommodation until they are able to return".

The incident caused gas to leak from the homes, and the whole block was evacuated, Mr Shafer said.

The gas pipe has since been capped and made safe, he added.