A van smashed into the front of a pub causing its roof to collapse.

The Blacksmiths Arms in Offham, near Lewes, was damaged after a van crashed into the front of the building.

Firefighters and police were called to the scene at 11.15pm last night to find a damaged Ford Transit van on the side of the road after hitting the pub's canopy.

The Argus: Firefighters assessing the damage last nightFirefighters assessing the damage last night (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The impact was so hard the building's structure was damaged.

The van remains at the scene today which has been cordoned off by firefighters.

The Argus: The dramatic scene was illuminated by a tall floodlightThe dramatic scene was illuminated by a tall floodlight (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Temporary traffic lights have been installed outside the venue in London Road.

Villagers were assessing the scale of the damage from the pavement in daylight this morning - with the pub closed for the time being. It is not yet known when it will reopen.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police have been approached for comment.