Man in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder after seven injured when car hit pedestrians in Derby

A 36-year-old man remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder after seven people were injured when a car hit pedestrians in Derby. Counter terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation into the incident, which happened at around 9.30pm on Saturday night (March 28) in Friar Gate, but police said they are keeping an open mind about potential motives.

The arrested man, originally from India but has lived in the UK for a number of years, is being quizzed on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, Derbyshire Police said. A total of seven people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital with a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries, after they were hit by a black Suzuki Swift, the force added.

The force said the support of counter terrorism officers does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism.

“Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of Counter Terrorism Policing colleagues, which is common practice for an incident of this nature, and are keeping an open mind about the potential motives," a Derbyshire Police spokesperson said. “Although counter terrorism officers are assisting us with those early investigations, this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism.”

Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred, who leads policing in the city, said on Sunday (March 29) the suspected driver was arrested on the other side of the city centre seven minutes after the incident.

“He was safely stopped in Station Approach, where the bridge crosses over towards Pride Park," she added. “This swift action would not have been possible without eyewitnesses who contacted us about the vehicle’s whereabouts as it was driven away from the scene and around the city centre.”

She said police believe the crash was an isolated incident, and there is no wider risk to the public. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC the Home Secretary was being kept updated on the incident.

Detectives are urging anyone who has footage of the incident taking place, or dashcam footage capturing the car before or after, to come forward.

The force said it is thought the suspect drove off along Friar Gate away from the city centre, towards Ashbourne Road, then into Bridge Street, Lodge Lane towards Five Lamps, Garden Street and Duffield Road before going into St Alkmund’s Way. The visibly damaged vehicle was then stopped by police a short time later at Station Approach, the force said.

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation should contact the force online or by calling 101, quoting incident 1131 of March 28. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.