A car smashed into a four-storey block of flats in West Watford causing structural damage and forcing a mass evacuation of the building last night.

Emergency services raced to Sydney Road, off Hagden Lane, shortly after 9pm and found the car, thought to be stolen, abandoned and ploughed into the living room of a flat in Copperdale Court.

The building was evacuated while a structural engineer assessed the damage and 12 people - including young children - had to be put up in a hotel overnight.

Witnesses said it was lucky no one was killed as the family who live in the flat had gone to bed early.

Resident Neil Rae said: "I heard one great bang and people shouting. I saw all the police and fire engines, there were blue lights everywhere."

Another neighbour said: "I thought it was thunder at first. We were evacuated for two hours while they checked the damage. It is unbelievable. It's lucky the woman who lives there went to bed early."

While resident Trisha Simpson said she was in her flat on the other side of the building and felt the jolt and thought it might have been an earthquake.

Police said the driver of the car and passenger, two men, ran from the scene.

The passenger, an 18-year-old man from Watford, had sustained injuries and was taken by police to hospital for treatment.

He was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at an accident and being carried in a stolen vehicle and has been released on police bail until Monday, July 20.

The fire brigade sent an appliance from Watford to the scene, and several specialist units loaded with props and cutting equipment to make the scene safe. Firefighters were on site until 10.45pm.

An ambulance also attended as a precaution but no one was injured as a result of the crash.

Hannah Georgiou, spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "Upon arrival at the scene officers found that extensive damage had been caused to the building.

"For the safety of those living in the flats in the affected block, they were temporarily evacuated until an expert surveyor assessed the stability and safety of the building.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101."

In a statement, the housing association which owns the flats, Aldwyck Housing Group, said: "Following an incident on the evening of Sunday, June 28, 12 residents from Aldwyck Housing Group’s property, Copperdale Court in Watford, have had to vacate the premises and take up alternative temporary housing.

"A structural engineer will be visiting Copperdale Court to assess what is needed to make the flats a safe environment.

"We hope that it will be feasible for all 12 customers to return to the property as quickly as possible."

Did you witness the crash? Send any pictures to beth.cherryman@london.newsquest.co.uk.