Counter terrorism officers have joined an investigation after seven people were injured, some of them seriously, when a car ploughed into people in Derby city centre.
The crash happened at about 9.30pm yesterday when a black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians in Friar Gate, with eyewitnesses telling Metro that people were left ‘screaming and spread across the road’.
Ambulance crews treated seven pedestrians at the scene before they were rushed to the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, the police said.
A Derby man in his 30s, who is originally from India but has lived in the country for years, was arrested and taken into police custody.
Seven people were injured in the suspected car ramming in busy Derby street lined with bars, pubs and restaurants (Picture: X)
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
Chief superintendent Emma Aldred called it a ‘horrific incident that has understandably shocked the city’, in an update on Sunday afternoon.
She said: ‘While none of those injured in the incident have suffered life threatening physical injuries the impact on them, I am sure, is just beginning to be felt.’
Members of the public ‘came to the aid of those injured and helped provide first aid’ in the moments after the crash, she added.
‘We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.’
Counter terrorism officers have joined the probe, but that does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism, police said.
Derbyshire Police said in a statement: ‘Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of counter terrorism policing colleagues, which is common practice for an incident of this nature, and are keeping an open mind about the potential motives.
‘Although counter terrorism officers are assisting us with those early investigations, this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism’.
Blake Pierce, 21, who lives in the local area, was enjoying a night out with friends along Friars Gate when they heard ‘screaming.’
He told Metro: ‘We decided to change pubs and as we walked towards the road we started hearing screaming.
‘There were people spread out across the road and the adjacent pathway that led down.
‘We weren’t sure what to think and just froze. I could count about 6 people sprawled out pretty widespread across the area. This was all before the police showed up.’
He said bystanders rushed to help the injured before the emergency services arrived, adding that the police response time was ‘good.’
‘I’ve always found Derby to be a good night out, nothing really happens here from what I’ve experienced. It was a real shock to see something so graphic right in-front of you,’ he added.
Eren Celebi, who works at FG Express on Friar Gate, described scenes of chaos after the incident.
‘I didn’t see it exactly happen. I was serving some customers and I just heard a lot of screaming and shouting outside.
‘There was just a lot of people running about,’ the 23-year-old added.
Celebi said when he left the shop people were lying on the pavement and the main road.
‘There was like blood leaking from their head and stuff,’ he said. ‘I was a bit shocked.’
He said that some people went to check on victims, adding: ‘Some people were running into shops. Some people were just standing outside running about.’
Another man, who did not want to be named, told reporters the scene was ‘quite distressing’ and that there were ‘a lot of bloodied people’.
The man estimated that between 80 to 130 people were on the road after the incident.
He said: ‘There was a lot of ambulances, police at the scene as well – paramedics trying to get them the best possible care and it was just utter chaos.’
The police said: ‘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.’
With the investigation ongoing, detectives are ‘keeping an open mind as to the motives.’
Derbyshire Constabulary said: ‘Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.’
Nadine Peatfield, the leader of Derby City Council, said in a statement: ‘I am horrified by the incident in our city centre 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.
‘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.’
People reacted to the news of the ramming incident on Sunday morning.
One person said: ‘May all those who suffered last night have a speedy recovery and those who witnessed this. Thank you to all the amazing emergency services…we need peace [and] unity in times like this, no hate.’
