A car has smashed into the front of a much-loved pub that appeared in one of Asda's Christmas adverts.
The landlady of The Railway pub in Tyldesley, Wigan, says she's 'so grateful' the place was closed when the incident happened on Thursday evening, as locals usually sit out on benches at the front.
Maureen Brown and her partner Colin Howarden live above the pub and heard 'a loud bang' as the car ploughed into the door, smashing part of the front wall of the Wareing Street pub.
Police attended, along with the fire and ambulance services and arrested a 66-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft.
The pub appeared in the supermarket's festive advert back in 2019 and is well known as the 'Bongs' last local' - a name given to the area because of its hills after local pronunciation of 'banks' was corrupted to 'bongs'.
Maureen, who has been landlady for eight years, said: "I'm just so grateful that we were closed because if we'd been open, people would have been out there at the front, sat on the benches we have there, and it would have been horrendous.
"It's the only time I've been grateful that we've been shut really."
The incident happened at around 7.45pm, a time the place would usually be busy with regulars.
"Colin was sat near the front upstairs and we just heard a bang," added Maureen. "We had no idea what it was at first but then looked out and saw the car had crashed through the front door. It was half in and half out of the pub.
"Whether it's someone who doesn't know the area we're not sure because it's all one-way around here and the pub is straight across from the junction."
The couple are now waiting to hear what structural damage has been done to the pub, which was built in 1862.
They had been preparing to reopen on May 17, once people are allowed indoors again, and Maureen is hoping the repairs will be done in time.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers were called around 8.05pm on Thursday 22 April to Wareing Street, Tyldesley to a report that a car had been in collision with a building.
"Officers attended and a 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. He remains in custody for questioning. No injuries have been reported."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “One fire engine from Atherton was called to a report of a road traffic collision involving a car that had gone into the front of a commercial premises on Wareing Street, Tyldesley.
“Firefighters made the vehicle safe upon arrival, and one person was attended to by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.
“The crew was at the scene for around 25 minutes.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 2802 of 22/04/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
