BMW driver arrested after collision with Porsche Centre Preston showroom

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after colliding the BMW 2 Series he was allegedly driving into the front of Bowker Motor Group‘s Porsche Centre Preston car showroom.

AM understands that no display vehicles were damaged in the incident, which happened at around 10.55pm on Saturday (August 7) night, but the collision caused extensive damage to the dealership’s glass frontage.

Images and video from the aftermath of the incident were later shared via the Blog Preston website.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post following the incident Tom Fox, the managing director of Porsche Centre Preston, said: “"This is a shocking accident. We're all relieved that no one was seriously hurt.”

Fox said that the dealership had been able to remain open following the incident, but added: “The damage could have been much worse.”

The Lancashire Post reported that the BMW driver and his passenger had fled the scene of Saturday night’s collision moments after the car mounted the pavement and careered through metal bollards before ploughing into the dealership.

Police located the suspected drink driver a short distance from the scene.

A statement issued by Lancashire Police said: “We were called around 10.55pm on Saturday (August 7) to a report of a collision in Preston.

"A BMW car had collided with the Porsche Centre showroom on Watery Lane with the driver reportedly making off from the scene.

"Following enquiries a man was arrested in the area a short time later.

"A 23-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and is in custody."

Bowker Motor Group’s flagship Preston Porsche Centre opened in 2019 with a VIP event which hosted 500 guests.

Earlier this year the facility became the first Porsche Centre in the UK to install new ultra-high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging points.