Two individuals have been discharged from hospital following a serious incident where a vehicle ploughed into pedestrians outside a pub in Derby. The event, which occurred on Saturday evening, has led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, with counter-terrorism officers assisting in the investigation.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place at approximately 9:30 pm on Saturday in Friar Gate, Derby. According to Derbyshire Police, a black Suzuki Swift drove into a group of people outside the Bishop Blaise pub, resulting in seven individuals being treated at the scene and transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Two of these victims have since been discharged, as confirmed by the police force on Monday morning.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect, a 36-year-old man originally from India who had resided in the UK for several years, was located a short time after the incident and taken into police custody. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. Police have emphasised that while counter-terrorism officers are involved, the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism-related.
Eyewitness Account
Dharma Mundell, a 26-year-old who works at a nearby newsagent, provided a harrowing account of the event. Mundell described hearing banging and screaming before witnessing the aftermath, with ambulances and police swarming the area. "I was in pure shock," Mundell told the Press Association, noting that people had been smoking on the pavement outside the pub prior to the driver speeding up and hitting them.
Mundell recounted seeing a woman placed on a stretcher with a neck brace and blood dripping from her head, stating, "It was kind of scary. It was not something you expect here in Derby at all. This guy literally just sped up the road, straight onto the curb, straight through people. He literally just ploughed through the people." The eyewitness initially mistook the screams for a fight but soon realised the severity upon seeing seven or eight individuals on the ground.
Ongoing Investigation
Derbyshire Police have indicated that fresh details will be provided later on Monday as the investigation continues. Forensic investigators were observed at the scene in Friar Gate, working to gather evidence. The force has reassured the public that the involvement of counter-terrorism support does not imply a terrorism motive at this stage, focusing instead on the criminal aspects of the case.
The community in Derby has been left shaken by the unexpected violence, with local authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and road safety in urban areas, as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the driver's actions.
