A suspected drunk driver crashed into a line of parked cars and damaged a garden wall, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The van driver’s accident yesterday morning shunted three cars in Robertson Road, Brighton, at least two of which are believed to be write offs.

The loud noise of the accident in the residential street near Preston Park train station left residents fearing there had been a gas explosion.

Shocked neighbours said they were forced to intervene – with one resident in the street removing his keys.

Police confirmed a man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving shortly after 9.30am on Sunday after failing a road side breath test following the accident.

Gemma Taylor, 28, of Robertson Road, said: “I was sitting down with a cup of tea and suddenly there was this massive noise, the biggest bang ever.

“It sounded like a huge truck had fallen over.

“We went out and he was trying to reverse away from my car.

“I don’t think he knew what was going on.”

She added: “My son started crying, he was really scared.

“There’s lots of kids around here and if someone had been walking down the road they could have been killed.”

Lewis Gent, 20, also of Robertson Road, added: “I had to take the car keys off him.

“He was saying his clutch had gone and he was looking for a park- ing space.”

Neighbour Michael Burton, whose three children screamed after hearing the van plough into their wall, said: “I thought it was a gas explosion.”

The arrested driver was at the wheel of a van emblazoned with the logo of the A1 Glass and Glazing company.

Patrick Smyth, director of the Brighton-based company, said: “Thank God no-one was injured.

“I’m absolutely mortified this has happened, it’s highly embarrassing.

“I don’t condone drink driving and I’m very sorry for the incon- venience to people affected.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure they are reimbursed for the damage caused.”

Mr Smyth said he went to the street yesterday on Sunday afternoon and apologised to the residents of Robertson Road in person.