Church praises police care after pursuit crash

A church secretary has praised a police force for checking in on his "shocked and sad" community almost a month after their building was damaged in a crash.

The driver of a Ford Ranger ploughed into the front of St Andrew's United Reform Church in Peterborough on 4 May during a police pursuit.

The impact caused damage to the building and destroyed a meeting room, although the church has been able to stay open for worship and community events.

Philip Laws said the congregation, many of whom are elderly, was left "shocked and upset" after the incident which he said came with a "significant cost impact" to the church and "some loss of revenue".

He said: "It is very sad. They might be used to people driving with speed along this road.

"There's a local PCSO who is excellent and does call in to the church. It is generally a lovely community with very little problems."

Cambridgeshire Police said the vehicle was pursued after it failed to stop for officers in Lincoln Road and minutes later crashed into the church on Ledbury Road.

A 26-year-old man, from Harlton, South Cambridgeshire, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, dangerous driving, concerned in supply of a controlled drug, driving without insurance and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

He was treated in hospital and no other injuries were reported, police said.

Police said the man had been released on bail until 2 August while investigations continued.

Mr Laws said that if the incident had happened during the day, "a lot of people could have been seriously hurt".

"The impacted room is used regularly for small meetings. But now it is totally wrecked," he said.

"I think the room will be out of bounds for several months. It will cause inconvenience, and we don't yet know if the church building will be able to stay open while the work is ongoing."

Mr Laws described the church as "thriving" but said efforts were being made to ensure income was being generated.

Mr Laws said: "Our congregation population is ageing. We do struggle in some areas, but we are trying to engage with the community to get a greater participation. We rely on them giving to us as part of their faith.

"But, we have faith and will keep going."

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