Derby car incident: Seven seriously injured after vehicle hits multiple people as man arrested
7 people were seriously injured when a car crashed into pedestrians in Derby city centre.
Following the incident, a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.
A black Suzuki Swift crashed into several people in the Friar Gate area of the city around 9.30pm on Saturday night.
In an update published on Sunday morning, Derbyshire Constabulary said seven people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews before being taken to hospital.
They suffered a variety of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police added: “We can confirm that contrary to speculation online, no one was killed in the incident.”
Shortly after the incident, a man in his 30s, originally from India, was found and arrested. He is currently under police custody.
Police reported that the investigation into the incident is continuing. “We remain open-minded about the reasons,” they added.
Friar’s Gate is closed at the junction of Curzon Street/Cheapside and Ford Street. Police said the road was expected to remain closed for some time and people were urged to avoid the area.
An eyewitness described the incident as “a complete massacre”.
“It was extremely scary,” they said Mirror. “People were lying bleeding on the sidewalks and roads.”
A person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident also said there were “people on the ground”.
they said derby Telegram: “It was a very scary experience. We turned the corner and there were people everywhere. We didn’t know what was happening and then slowly we realized it was something bad.”
Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said she was “deeply shocked” by the news of the loss of life.
Posting on Facebook, he said: “My thoughts are with the injured and I am grateful to our emergency services.
“Please follow police advice and avoid the area. Anyone with information should contact police as soon as possible.”
Derby South MP Baggy Shanker said his thoughts were with “everyone affected and their loved ones”.
Derbyshire Constabulary said in a statement: “Whilst we know this will be concerning, we want to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, citing incident 1131 of March 28. Independent charity CrimeStoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
