Derby Car Attack: Man Charged After Seven Seriously Injured on Friar Gate
A 36-year-old man has been formally charged following a serious incident in Derby where seven pedestrians were injured after a car mounted the pavement on one of the city's busiest streets. Sandhu Ponnachan faces multiple serious charges in connection with the event that occurred on Saturday night outside the Bishop Blaise pub.
Charges and Police Investigation
Derbyshire police confirmed that Ponnachan was charged on Tuesday with six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article. The suspect, who resides at Chariot Close in Alvaston, has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday when a black Suzuki Swift vehicle drove onto the pavement on Friar Gate, striking multiple pedestrians. Counter-terrorism officers assisted with the investigation, although police have emphasized that this support does not indicate the incident is being treated as terrorism-related.
Victims and Community Impact
The seven victims included four men and three women aged between 36 and 52 years old. While some sustained serious injuries, police have described all injuries as not life-threatening. Four of the injured individuals have already been discharged from hospital, according to the latest updates from Derbyshire police.
Ch Supt Emma Aldred expressed the profound impact on the community, stating: "This incident has, naturally, sent shock waves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole. My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene."
Rapid Police Response and Public Assistance
Ponnachan, who is originally from India but now lives in Derby, was arrested just seven minutes after the incident occurred. Police have praised the assistance received from various sources during their investigation.
Aldred added: "I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the people that have assisted our investigation – the public, partner agencies, local businesses and also the media and wider community for their patience and understanding as we have worked to seek a charge."
Derbyshire police continue to appeal to anyone with footage of the incident to come forward as their investigation progresses. Forensic officers have been conducting detailed work at the scene on Friar Gate where the traumatic events unfolded.
