Police officer arrested over 'drug driving' after car smashes into garden wall

13 December 2023 , 17:14

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Darren Smith looks at the damage after a car crashed into his family home (Image: Liverpool Echo)

A police officer has been arrested over suspected drug driving after a car smashed into a family home.

The 27-year-old man, described as a student officer, was off-duty when the incident occurred at around 7am on Tuesday, November 14, at the junction in Mossley Hill, Liverpool. Homeowners Darren and Melissa Smith said a car smashed through a barrier and careered across the pavement into their garden wall. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to the family's car, which was parked on the driveway, and caused a brick to smash through the front window of their home.

Merseyside Police's Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Baker, Head of Professional Standards, said: "The officer was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle dangerously and drink/drug driving. He was questioned by detectives and later released under investigation pending further enquiries.

"He has also been suspended from duty while the investigation is ongoing and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in relation to this case.” DCS Baker added: “Merseyside Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to those who drive a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs. It is completely unacceptable to get behind the wheel while inebriated as this affects your ability to drive safely.

A police officer has been arrested following the incident (Liverpool Echo)

“Anyone who drives a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs is not only putting themselves at risk but is also endangering the lives of other innocent road users. I would like to reassure the public that officers proactively breathalyse and carry out drug wipes on motorists at the roadside all year round. This includes carrying out spot checks in the mornings to identify those who are still over the limit to drive from the night before.

“We enforce the law and we need to uphold the law in everything we do, and always expect the highest professional standards of conduct and behaviour from officers and staff. We work hard to remove the minority of those who do not adhere to the standards and behaviours that is expected from officers and staff.

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Darren said the car smashed through a barrier and careered across the pavement into his garden wall (Liverpool Echo)

“Our work includes more effective vetting, to encouraging everyone internally, and those who come into contact with our force, to call out and report any criminal, or inappropriate behaviour.” Merseyside Police said it urged anyone who is concerned about someone driving under the influence to contact 999 directly as soon as it is safe to do so.

Darren, 51, told the Liverpool Echo he was upstairs when he heard the sound of a loud bang coming from outside, while his children were getting ready for school. He said if the crash had happened half an hour later "the kids would have been walking to school, it could have been horrendous." Melissa, 50, added: "It's all of the what ifs of what could have happened. It's not unusual for us not to have a car there. Everyone is alright, that's the main thing. This is just damage."

Jonathan Humphries