AN investigation has been launched after an out of control car ploughed into a Bournemouth bank office in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A black Peugeot 307 automatic, believed to have been involved in the 4.45am crash at the Halifax in Old Christchurch Road, was found abandoned at Horseshoe Common.

The bank opened as usual on Saturday while workmen fitted new glass at the premises although staff refused to comment. 

A Dorset police spokeswoman told the Daily Echo that they had attended the scene after receiving a call from a member of the public.

She added: “A vehicle was involved in damage to commercial premises, a road traffic collision is being investigated and one person was detained.”

The H-registration Peugeot, driven by a woman. is believed to have reversed into the front of the Halifax office.

The force of the impact tore off its rear registration plate and the off-side light was smashed. There were also scratches on the near side of the vehicle.

At the Co-operative store opposite a member of staff, who was stacking shelves, said: “Our window was smashed about three weeks ago, at around the same time.”

The smash and grab raider fled with around a dozen bottles of Champagne.

The incident is also being investigated by police.