Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a car struck several pedestrians on Friar Gate, one of Derby's busiest streets, at about 9.30pm on Saturday. Seven people sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to Derbyshire police, who urged the public to ignore online speculation that there had been deaths.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said officers apprehended the suspect in Station Approach, on the opposite side of the city centre, just seven minutes after the incident. She praised eyewitnesses who reported the vehicle's movements as it drove away. The driver, a 36-year-old Derby man originally from India who has lived in the UK for several years, was also arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
Detectives are working alongside counter-terrorism officers but have not yet designated the incident as a terror attack, keeping an open mind about motives. Victims were treated at the scene by ambulance crews before being taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Witnesses described a frightening scene. One man, Ashen, who was working nearby, said he saw something unusual and then police and ambulances arrived. Local resident Mark Lucas, 47, saw people on the floor who appeared seriously hurt. Another witness told the Derby Telegraph there were people lying in the road, with debris scattered and onlookers crying and panicking.
The police cordon was lifted on Sunday afternoon, but businesses on Friar Gate remained closed. Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said she was deeply shocked, while Derby South MP Baggy Shanker offered his thoughts to those affected. Derby County football club also expressed solidarity with the community.
