A 36-year-old man has been charged after seven people were injured when a car struck pedestrians outside a pub in Derby. 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 about 9.30pm on Saturday outside the Bishop Blaise pub on Friar Gate, one of Derby's busiest streets. A black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement, hitting four men and three women aged between 36 and 52. Four victims have since been discharged from hospital, and police have described their injuries as not life-threatening.
Ponnachan, originally from India but now living in Derby, was arrested seven minutes after the incident. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Counter-terrorism officers assisted the investigation, but police have stressed this does not mean the incident is being treated as terrorism.
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.' She thanked the public, partner agencies, local businesses and the media for their assistance.
Derbyshire Police have urged anyone with footage of the incident to contact them. The force continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
