A 36-year-old man has been arrested 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. Derbyshire police said seven people sustained 'a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries' and were taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said officers apprehended the suspect on Station Approach, on the other side of the city centre, seven minutes after the incident. 'This swift action would not have been possible without eyewitnesses who contacted us about the vehicle’s whereabouts,' she said. The driver of a black Suzuki Swift was also arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. He is a Derby man originally from India who has lived in the UK for several years.
Police said detectives are working alongside counter-terrorism officers but are 'keeping an open mind about the potential motives' and have not yet designated the incident as a terror attack. Contrary to online speculation, there were no deaths. The police cordon was lifted on Sunday afternoon, but businesses on the street, including bars and restaurants, remained closed.
Witnesses described seeing people lying in the road and debris scattered. One man working nearby said, 'There were a lot of people here. It was a very busy day.' Another witness, Mark Lucas, said, 'People were over the floor and there were a lot of police and ambulances.' A medical student living on the road expressed concern that the incident could raise tensions in the area.
Local MPs Catherine Atkinson and Baggy Shanker expressed shock and offered thoughts for those affected. Derby County football club also issued a statement of support. The Bishop of Repton said prayers had been offered for the injured and witnesses.
