A construction tractor crashed into a sheltered housing complex, leaving a path of destruction behind.
Police were called to Buckie at about 5am yesterday following the crash on Land Street.
Neighbours were woken up by a loud “explosion” and were shocked to see the huge vehicle “embedded” in the side of the building.
Last night, police confirmed a 30-year-old had been arrested in connection with the incident.
The housing complex – used by people with disabilities – has been badly damaged, with huge holes and bits of timber poking through the concrete.
Tyre tracks and debris, including drain pipes, breeze blocks and masonry, were left strewn across the road.
SSE were also called out to check on the electricity supplies at the properties.
George Sutherland, who lives nearby, raised the alarm after fearing something had blown up outside.
He said: “It was like an explosion. I heard a bang and fell out of my bed because of the noise.
“I looked out of the window and it was embedded into a wall.”
Mr Sutherland quickly pulled on his clothes and raced outside, and saw the digger reversing out of the building to flee.
Mr Sutherland said he believes it travelled right along Land Street before colliding with the structure.
He said: “It came down from St Andrews Square and it had turned down Land Street and lost control.
“It is a big vehicle and the wheels are massive.
“It wasn’t a JCB, it was more of a big tractor. It had nothing on the back and was a big monster of a vehicle.”
Nobody was injured in the incident, and it is understood the occupants of the complex have been found alternative accommodation.
A spokesman for SSE said: “We were called out to check on and isolate the supplies at the properties.”
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a road traffic incident involving a digger type vehicle which happened at Land Street, Buckie, at 5am on Sunday, February 18.
“Inquiries are continuing and no one was injured as a result.
“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”