Arrest after car plunges down bank in Church Stretton

A woman was seriously injured when a car containing six people plunged down a bank in Shropshire today and ended up on its side against a tree.

Shropshire police said a man had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said the man remained in custody and would be interviewed by officers.

The crash happened at about 1am in Cunnery Road, Church Stretton.

Police said a silver Audi went through a fence and fell about 10ft before coming to rest against a tree.

Mr Ewels said: "Several of the occupants managed to get out. Others had to be released by the emergency services. There were four men and two women aged from 19 to 34.

"The casualties were taken by ambulance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. One woman with serious injuries is in the ITU, two of the men have also been detained."

He added: "The others have either been discharged or did not require hospital treatment."

Shropshire Fire Control said cutting gear was used to release two men and the seriously injured woman.