In a late-night incident on Saturday, May 11th, a Ford Transit van collided with the Blacksmiths Arms pub on the A275 in Offham, prompting emergency response teams into action.
The collision occurred around 10:35 pm, drawing immediate attention from local authorities. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) swiftly responded to the scene, deploying two fire appliances to address the aftermath of the collision.
According to an ESFRS spokesperson, the incident required the closure of the road as emergency crews worked diligently to secure the area. “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to a road traffic collision at The Blacksmith Arms, The Street, Offham at 22:50 on 11 May, involving one car. Two fire appliances attended. The road was closed while emergency crews made the area safe,” the spokesperson stated. They added, “Requested assessment of building structure and electrics were isolated in front of the building. The stop message came at 1.36. The incident was handed over to the owner of the property.”
The collision resulted in significant damage to the pub, necessitating the intervention of a structural engineer to assess the extent of the structural damage.
Subsequent police investigations revealed that the driver of the van, identified as 37-year-old Liam Torbett from Southdown Road, Newhaven, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Sussex Police confirmed Torbett’s arrest and subsequent charging with drink-driving offences.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police provided details regarding the incident, stating, “Police were called after a Ford Transit van collided with the Blacksmiths Arms pub on the A275, Offham, about 10.35pm on Saturday 11 May. Officers attended and the driver – Liam Torbett, 37, of Southdown Road, Newhaven – was arrested and charged with drink-driving.”
Torbett has been released on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on May 30th to face the charges against him.
The collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence, and authorities urge motorists to prioritize safety and responsibility while on the roadways.
