Car crashes into assisted living home in south Belfast, residents evacuated

A car drove into a disability charity's residential property in Dorchester Park at 03:45, forcing six residents to be moved to temporary accommodation. Two people have been arrested.

Car crashes into assisted living home in south Belfast, residents evacuated

Residents evacuated after car strikes Belfast disability home

Residents at an assisted living property in south Belfast were evacuated in the early hours after a car drove into the building, BBC News reports.

Police received a call at 03:45 BST that a blue Volkswagen Golf had been driven into a wall and then a conservatory at a property in Dorchester Park. The building is operated by Sense, a disability charity, and houses six people. Five residents were present overnight, along with one member of night staff.

A 21-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit and a number of additional driving-related offences. Both have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Colhoun said extensive damage was caused to the car involved, the property itself and three other vehicles in the surrounding area. "This is a shocking incident, and it's only by sheer luck that we aren't dealing with much more serious consequences this morning," Colhoun said. He added that having to be moved in the middle of the night had been "an extremely distressing experience" for the residents.

In a statement, Sense said all residents and staff on duty were safe and receiving appropriate support. "We are working closely with families, local partners and emergency services to ensure everyone affected has suitable temporary accommodation and ongoing care," the charity said. Sense confirmed the property has sustained "significant damage and remains under assessment".

Kevin Fennell, a neighbour, said he heard considerable commotion during the night. He described the property as "almost demolished" and said the experience was "traumatic for the people in the house".

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Source: BBC News