Seven people have been injured after a car ploughed into a crowd in Derby city centre last night.
The incident involving a black Suzuki Swift happened at around 9.30pm in the Friar Gate area of Derby.
Seven people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews and rushed to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
A man in his 30s, originally from India, was found a short time later and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
Officers said they are keeping an open mind about the motives of the attacker, while an investigation has been launched.
Roads nearby were 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’.
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.’
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’.
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.
