Derby car incident: Police given more time to question man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
Police have been given more time to interview a suspect after pedestrians were injured when a car crashed into them outside a pub in Derby city centre.
Counter-terrorism teams assisted in the investigation and the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Seven people were seriously injured when a black Suzuki Swift crashed onto the pavement outside Bishop Blaise in Friar’s Gate at around 9.30pm on Saturday.
Four men and three women, aged between 36 and 52, were injured. The police stated that their injuries were not life-threatening.
Derbyshire Police said three people have been discharged from hospital.
The 36-year-old suspect, who is originally from India but now lives in Derby, remained in police custody on Monday afternoon and officers had until Tuesday evening to question him.
Police said the suspect was arrested seven minutes after the incident on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Aldred said: “I would like to reiterate my best wishes to all the victims in this case as they begin their recovery with the support of specialist officers.
“There has been a multi-agency response to this incident and we continue to work closely with our partners and local businesses. I would like to thank them for their support.
“Detectives continue to question the arrested man and have been conducting extensive investigations over the past several days.”
Police are asking anyone who has footage of the incident to contact them.
Dharma Mundell, who works at a newsagent a few feet from where the collision occurred, said people were smoking on the pavement outside Bishop Blaise before the driver “speeded up” and hit them.
The 26-year-old told the Press Association he was left in “complete shock” after hearing screams and seeing a woman bleeding from her head being laid out on a stretcher.
He added: “This man literally sped down the road, straight onto the pavement, through people.
“He actually went through people. I saw a group of people on the road and he went through them.”
Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said: “I’m really proud to hear so many members of the public have come forward and tried to support others, including staff from different businesses on this high street.”
He said areas in Derby where crowds might be likely to be crowded needed to be reviewed, which could mean installing barriers.
Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield spoke at the scene on Monday and said she was “absolutely horrified” by what had happened.
He said no vehicles could pass through the Friar’s Gate during the Easter bank holiday weekend as people celebrated in the evenings.
Derby South MP Baggy Shanker told PA: “It’s extremely shocking to learn that something like this could happen here in our own hometown.
“I really, really want to understand what caused this before I jump to any conclusions.”
Police said the support of counter-terrorism officers did not mean the incident was being treated as terrorism.
