Seven people are receiving hospital treatment after a car was deliberately driven into pedestrians on a busy Derby street on Saturday night, with police confirming that a man originally from India has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed in an updated statement on Sunday morning that all seven casualties sustained serious injuries, though none are believed to be life-threatening. Contrary to speculation that circulated on social media overnight, officers stressed that no fatalities occurred as a result of the incident.
The attack took place on Friar Gate at approximately 9.30pm, when a black Suzuki Swift was driven into a group of pedestrians. Ambulance crews treated all seven at the scene before transferring them to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. The injured face a range of serious injuries, the full extent of which has not yet been disclosed.Man Arrested After Car Ploughs Into Multiple Pedestrians In Derby City Centre Leaving Several With Serious Injuries
A man in his 30s, originally from India, was located by officers a short time after the incident and taken into custody. He has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. He remained in police custody on Sunday morning as detectives continued their enquiries.
Derbyshire Constabulary stated that investigators are keeping an open mind regarding the motivation behind the incident, and that the circumstances surrounding it remain under active investigation.
Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, described the events as deeply distressing. In a statement issued on Sunday, she said she was horrified by what had taken place and extended her thoughts to those injured, their families, and all those who witnessed the incident at close quarters. She praised the emergency services for what she described as a rapid and professional response, and urged anyone with relevant information to contact police without delay.
A police cordon remained in place along Friar Gate on Sunday morning, with a BBC reporter at the scene describing the road as quiet but with a visible amount of debris still present on the ground. The public continues to be asked to avoid the area entirely while forensic and investigative work is carried out.
Derbyshire Constabulary has sought to reassure residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward urgently as they work to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the collision. Further updates are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
The driver, a man in his 30s originally from India, remains in police custody. He has been arrested on suspicion of the following offences:
- Attempted murder
- Causing serious injury through dangerous driving
- Inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent
- Dangerous driving
Derbyshire Constabulary has confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and officers are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind the incident.
