A car has crashed into the gates of Rishi Sunak’s official country residence, police have confirmed.

The incident took place on Tuesday shortly after midday, when the white Volkswagen Scirocco hit the barriers at the entrance to Chequers - the grace and favour manor house in Buckinghamshire which prime ministers are allowed to use while in office.

Rishi Sunak was not at the property at the time.

Thames Valley Police said the driver, who was a 44-year-old man from the county, had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and drink driving, and was the only person in the car.

A spokesperson also said he had “suffered serious injuries” and had been taken to hospital, “where he remains”.

They added: “While we are still in the very early stages of our investigation, there is currently no evidence to suggest there was any intention to harm anyone.”