A MAN suspected of smashing into McDonald's restaurant while almost three times the drink-driving limit has been charged.

Taylor Steel, of Fairfield Way, Ashington, was arrested on Friday evening after a Volkswagen Golf ploughed through the side of the fast food outlet in Buck Barn, near Horsham.

Images taken from the scene showed the scale of the damage, with debris littering the road.

Concerned onlookers were seen investigating the crash site, as police moved in to tape off the area.

A video taken from inside the store posted online showed dozens of tables and chairs scattered across the restaurant, while an alarm blares throughout the building.

Police said the vehicle had been travelling "with more speed than was advisable".

The 19-year-old was arrested and has now been charged with driving with 101mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

He has been released on unconditional bail to appear before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 25.

At the time, a spokesman from Sussex Police said: "A blue Volkswagen Golf had collided with the McDonald's restaurant.

"The driver, a 19-year-old man from Ashington, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

"No injuries were reported."

In a statement on Twitter, Horsham Police said: "Tonight (November 26) we attended a vehicle which attempted to enter the McDonald's at Buck Barn on the A24 with more speed than was advisable.

"Thankfully no one was hurt and the driver is in custody."

Police are encouraging anyone with information to call 101, using the reference CAD 1347 26/11/2021.