A community centre has been severely damaged after a car crashed into it this evening and almost hit a pedestrian.

The collision took place at teatime on Friday, just off Durham Road in South Stanley, opposite the junction with Humber Hill.

The car was a Vauxhall Insignia and witnesses to the aftermath said the building looked unstable.

One man said: “It is like a little community centre.

“If that car comes out now the whole thing is going to collapse. The main beam is resting on the car.

“A pedestrian has gone to hospital with shock because it nearly hit her.”

The building is thought to be part of The Haven@South Moor Partnership.

It is understood emergency services attended the incident.