Seven people have been injured, some of them seriously, after a car ploughed into people in Derby city centre.
The incident happened at about 9.30pm yesterday when a black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians in Friar Gate, with eyewitnesses reporting screams before seeing several people lying on the ground.
Ambulance crews treated seven people at the scene before they were rushed to the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, the police told Metro.
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.’
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A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was arrested and taken into police custody.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
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.’
‘Ive 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.
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 this 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.’
Another local wrote: ‘Let’s wait and see before jumping into hate. Derby is a good place for everyone to live and always has been.’
The Friar Gate area from the junction with Curzon Street and Cheapside up to Ford Street has been cordoned off.
It will remain closed for a ‘considerable time’ so people should avoid the area, the police said.
Detectives said: ‘Our investigation is in its early stages but we want to hear from anyone who saw a black Suzuki Swift being driven in Derby around the time of the incident.’
Motorists were warned that vehicles that were parked within the cordon will not be released until the scene investigation has been lifted and the road is reopened.
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