A CAR hit an electricity pole plunging homes into a blackout.

Emergency services were called to Eversley Road, Arborfield Cross, at 11.30pm on Friday. The car had reportedly veered into a tree before hitting the pole.

One passenger in the silver Citroen Saxo, a man from Reading, suffered head injuries. He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, but later released.

Two other passengers and the driver were left with cuts and bruises.

Southern Electric spokesman Justin Smith said: "The crash caused considerable damage to the pole. Our engineers arrived at the scene within 15 minutes and made a temporary repair.

"They returned early the next morning to completely replace the pole and it did not affect customers further." Police initially arrested the driver on suspicion of drink driving, but she was later released without charge.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505, or contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.