A 36-year-old man has been charged after seven people were injured when a car mounted a pavement on a busy Derby street. Sandhu Ponnachan, of Chariot Close, Alvaston, faces multiple charges including six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article.
The incident occurred at approximately 9.30pm on Saturday outside the Bishop Blaise pub on Friar Gate, where a black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians. The victims, four men and three women aged between 36 and 52, sustained injuries described by police as serious but not life-threatening. Four have since been discharged from hospital.
Derbyshire police confirmed that counter-terrorism officers assisted the investigation, but stressed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related. Ponnachan, originally from India but now living in Derby, was arrested seven minutes after the incident and has been remanded in custody.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: 'This incident has, naturally, sent shock waves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole. My thoughts remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene.' She thanked the public, partner agencies, and local businesses for their assistance.
Ponnachan is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire magistrates court on Wednesday. Police have appealed for anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.
