Car crashes into crowds in Derby city centre sparking terro
A man from India has been arrested after a car plowed into crowds on a busy street in Derby, seriously injuring seven people.
At about 9:30 pm Saturday (March 28), Derbyshire Police confirmed that a black Suzuki Swift careered into crowds of people in the busy Friar Gate area of the city.
Seven people were treated by ambulances at the scene before being hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries. There were no fatalities.
A spokesperson said: "A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was found a short time after the incident. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
"He remains in police custody. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing and we are keeping an open mind as to the motives."
’Keep everyone involved in our prayers’
Derby City Church will still hold its service this morning, and urged everyone to pray for those involved.
It said: "We’ve been advised that the service can go ahead as normal. Curzon Street is open, but Friar Gate remains closed.
"Last night, several people were injured after a car struck pedestrians in the area, and some have been taken to hospital.
"Please, take a moment to keep everyone involved — those injured, their families, and the emergency services — in our prayers."
Pictured: the scene this morning
Images from the aftermath of the collision show debris strewn about the street, including shoes and blankets, as police remain on scene.
’I am horrified by the incident’, says council leader
Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield
She wrote: "I am horrified by the incident in our city center on Saturday evening, where several pedestrians were injured after being struck by a vehicle.
"My thoughts, and those of the entire city, are with those injured, their families, and everyone who witnessed this distressing event.
"I want to thank the emergency services for their rapid response and professional care under such difficult circumstances. Our frontline responders do an incredible job, and the safety of our residents remains our absolute priority.
"We are working closely with Derbyshire police as they investigate the circumstances of this incident. I urge anyone with information to contact the police immediately to assist with their investigation."
Education secretary says ’no cause to be alarmed’
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “My thoughts are with anyone that’s been affected by this, those who’ve been injured or hurt, and their family members at this really difficult time.”
She added: “The police are actively investigating. We don’t believe there is wider cause for the public to be alarmed. The police have made an arrest, and the Home Secretary is being kept updated on this.”
Seven people seriously injured
Derbyshire Police said seven people suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.
A statement from the force said: “We can confirm that seven people were injured when a car was driven into pedestrians in a city center street.
“The car, a black Suzuki Swift, struck a number of people in Friar Gate at about 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 28.
“Seven people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews and taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
“The seven suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries and we can confirm that, contrary to online speculation, no-one died in the incident.”
Suspect arrested on attempted murder charge
Police confirmed the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
Man from India arrested
Police confirmed a man originally from India has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and three other charges.
A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was found a short time after the incident.
"He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
"He remains in police custody. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing and we are keeping an open mind as to the motives."
The scene this morning
Derby Telegraph reporter Louis Corbett is at the scene this morning, where a large police cordon remains in place.
He said: "A cordon has been set up at the junction of Curzon Street and Friar Gate, with an inner cordon halfway through Friar Gate. Seven officers are currently guarding the scene."
Witness describes ’absolute carnage’
One witness said it was "absolute carnage", with numerous people lying in the road and on the pavement, the Mirror reports.
They said: "It was utterly horrific. People were laying on the pavement covered in blood and on the road."
’Everyone is so shook up’
One local, who was in a nearby bar when the incident took place, told the Derby Telegraph: “We came outside because someone said a load of people had been hit by a car.
“Everyone was talking about it and panicking, we know people who were in other bars and thought it might have been them.
“It’s so sad, everyone is so shook up. People have been crying, I just can’t believe something like this has happened.”
Images capture aftermath of horror incident
Flowers have been laid at the scene in Friar Gate as it remains completely closed this morning.
World Affairs Correspondent
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