Driver arrested after car 'smashes through school gate and comes to stop in playground'

The crash, involving a red Skoda Fabia, happened at Devonshire Primary Academy in Caunce Street at around 1.10pm today, police said.

No children were in the playground at the time, a spokeswoman said.

Nicola Horabin, assistant headteacher at the school, confirmed nobody was hurt, with parents told of the smash immediately.

"We did text all the parents to say nobody had been injured because parents got to hear straight away," she said.

"We stopped anyone going outside from that moment for safety reasons."

Mrs Horabin said the car ended up in the middle of the playground used by youngsters in years one to six.

The gates, which have been damaged, have since been secured, with a new one already ordered and set to be fitted next week, she added.

Pupils will be able to play out as usual on Monday.

Lancashire Police said a 30-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and was in custody.