Authorities specializing in counter-terrorism are probing an event that unfolded in Derby city centre, where a vehicle collided with a crowd, resulting in injuries to seven individuals.
The occurrence took place around 9:30 p.m. in Derby’s Friar Gate district, involving a black Suzuki Swift.
Emergency medical teams attended to the injured at the site before transferring them to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for further care.
Shortly thereafter, law enforcement apprehended a man in his 30s, originally from India. He faces charges including attempted murder, causing severe injuries, grievous bodily harm with intent, and reckless driving. He currently remains detained by the police.
Officials have stated they are considering various possibilities regarding the perpetrator’s intentions as they delve into the incident.
While counter-terrorism specialists are aiding in the inquiry, Derbyshire Constabulary has clarified that this does not automatically categorize the event as an act of terrorism.
Roads nearby have been closed off, covering a large area from Curzon Street to Ford Street, and are expected to remain shut for some time.
One person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident told the Derby Telegraph there were ‘people on the floor’.
The scene on Friar Gate, Derby, after multiple pedestrians were struck by a car last night
A police cordon near to the scene in Derby where a number of people were injured yesterday
Forensic investigators at the scene this morning after seven individuals were hurt
They added: ‘It was such a frightening experience. We came around the corner and there was just people everywhere.
‘We didn’t realise what had happened and then we slowly realised that it was something bad.’
Kate Lowe, who only heard about the incident this morning, described it as a ‘massive shock’.
‘As a person who has lived in Derby for years, it’s a massive shock… I just don’t know why anyone would want to do that,’ she said.
A churchgoer who did not wish to be named said: ‘I think it’s unusual for the city.
‘As a church community meeting here together, this is a real shock. This is not what we expect. We are thinking and praying for everyone impacted.’
The seven victims suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries, with police confirming no one died.
Catherine Atkinson, Labour MP for Derby North, said she is ‘deeply shocked’ by the news.
In a statement shared online, she added: ‘My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.
‘Please follow police advice and avoid the area. Anyone who has information should contact them as soon as possible.’
Flowers left at the scene this morning after it was confirmed seven people were injured
Forensic investigators inspect the scene after the incident in Derby last night
Paramedics in the area last night after a car ploughed into a group of people in Derby
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.’
Baggy Shanker, the MP for Derby South, said his thoughts are with ‘everyone who has been affected and with their loved ones’.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred, who leads policing in the city, said: ‘Firstly I would like to send my best wishes to the people who were injured, their friends and families, and to the public who witnessed what will have been a very traumatic thing to see.
‘I know this incident will have sent shockwaves through our communities but I would like to reassure people that we have a dedicated team of detectives working on it.
‘Thanks to the fast actions of officers, working on eyewitness information from the public, we were able to quickly arrest the suspect in the city just a few minutes after the incident took place.
‘I also want to thank the members of the public and staff from local businesses in Friar Gate, who helped officers with first aid in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
‘We will provide updates to the public as quickly as we can, but sometimes those updates take a bit of time due to the complexity of the incident we are dealing with.
‘I’d also like to thank business owners, their staff, and people whose cars are stuck within the cordon for their patience while we continue our work at the scene.’
Anyone with information can contact Derbyshire Police on their website, via a private message on Facebook or by calling 101, quoting incident 1131 of March 28.
They can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.
