The co-owner of a high street shop says the store is a “bomb site” after a van ploughed through the front window.

A man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a vehicle crashed into Whites of Kent in Whitstable on Saturday night.

Nigel White, who runs the family business with his siblings, today said the shop has reopened following the collision, which caused extensive damage.

He says the van crashed into a car parked opposite the store before it careered into the shopfront.

“It smashed five big windows near the front entrance, which had been boarded up,” the 60-year-old said.

“Structural engineers had a look and said it was safe to pull the van out.

“We are still open, which were are trying to get across to people as it looks like a bomb site.

“We cleared up yesterday and customers were trying to come in but it was still dangerous with glass all over the floor.”

Pictures taken at the scene show the van embedded in the front of the premises.

A Ford car on the opposite side of the road appeared to have also been struck during the incident, with damage to its front passenger side.

The road was closed while police dealt with the incident and the ambulance service did not attend.

Mr White added: “The five great big windows will cost goodness knows how many thousands of pounds each.

“It is going to be quite expensive.”

Whites of Kent is a clothing and homeware shop and has branches in Faversham and Whitstable.

A police spokesman confirmed the force was called to the high street collision shortly before 9.30pm on Saturday.

“No serious injuries were reported,” he said.

“Officers attended and, following inquiries at the scene, a 30-year-old man from Whitstable was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

“He has since been bailed pending further inquiries.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers is urged to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/19014/24.