Man, 36, remains in custody after pedestrians hit by car in Derby

A man remains in custody following his arrest 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 in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday, but police are keeping an open mind about potential motives.

The 36-year-old Derby man, who is originally from India but has lived in the UK for a number of years, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, Derbyshire Police said.

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 Police said in a statement: “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.

“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 Derby, told a media briefing on Sunday that the suspected driver was arrested on the other side of the city centre seven minutes after the incident.

She said: “He was safely stopped in Station Approach, where the bridge crosses over towards Pride Park.

“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 added that the force believes it is an isolated incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.

The Home Secretary is being kept updated on the incident, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.

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 its website crimestoppers-uk.org/.