Derby car incident latest: Counter-terror officers join investigation, but police keep ‘open mind’ on motive

Image source, PA Media

Car hits pedestrians: A car hits pedestrians in Derby city centre at 21:30 GMT on Saturday. Officers are on the scene “just seconds” after the collision, according to Derbyshire Police.

Suspect arrested: The suspected driver is arrested “on the other side of the city centre” seven minutes later, police say.

Black Suzuki Swift: The first police update is issued at 23:00, saying a man has been arrested. Police say the incident involved a black Suzuki Swift and happened in Friar Gate. This is one of the most popular stretches for a night out in Derby.

Injuries “serious but not life-threatening”: Police issue a second statement at 08:45 BST on Sunday, confirming that seven people were injured. Injuries are “serious but not life-threatening”. A man in his 30s, “originally from India”, was found “a short time after the incident” and arrested, they add.

Counter-terrorism assisting: A third police statement is issued at 13:00, saying Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of counter-terrorism police. This is “common practice for an incident of this nature” and police are keeping an “open mind” about possible motives, they say.

The statement clarifies that the man is “originally from India”, but has lived in the UK for a number of years.

“Isolated incident”: In a news conference at 14:15, police say they believe it is an “isolated incident” with “no wider risk to the public”. A 36-year old man who lives in Derby remains in police custody, they say.