A 36-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a car struck pedestrians on Friar Gate in Derby, leaving seven people injured. Derbyshire Police confirmed that the victims sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries in the incident, which occurred at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday.
The suspect, a Derby man originally from India who has lived in the UK for several years, was arrested seven minutes after the incident in Station Approach, on the other side of the city centre. He faces additional charges of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred stated that officers are working with counter-terrorism police but are keeping an open mind about motives. She praised eyewitnesses who helped track the vehicle, a black Suzuki Swift, as it fled the scene.
Victims were treated at the scene by ambulance crews before being taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. The police cordon was lifted on Sunday afternoon, but businesses on Friar Gate, including bars and restaurants, remained closed.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene with people lying on the ground and debris scattered in the road. One local resident, Mark Lucas, said he saw people who appeared seriously hurt. Another witness reported that onlookers were crying and panicking.
Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson expressed shock at the incident, thanking emergency services. Derby County Football Club also offered condolences to those affected. The Bishop of Repton, Rt Rev Malcolm Macnaughton, said prayers were said for the injured and witnesses across the diocese.
