Detectives given more time to question man after pedestrians struck by car

Detectives have been given more time to question a suspect who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after pedestrians were injured when a car ploughed into them outside a pub in Derby city centre.

Counter-terrorism officers assisted the investigation after seven people were seriously injured outside the Bishop Blaise in Friar Gate at around 9.30pm on Saturday when a black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement.

The victims were four men and three women aged between 36 and 52, and three have been discharged from hospital, Derbyshire Police said.

Their injuries have been described by police as not life-threatening.

The 36-year-old suspect, who is originally from India but now lives in Derby, remained in police custody on Monday afternoon and officers have until Tuesday evening to question him.

The suspect was arrested seven minutes after the incident on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, police said.

Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: “I’d like to reiterate my well wishes to all the victims in this case as they begin their recovery supported by specialist officers.

“The response to this incident was a multi-agency one and we are continuing to work closely with partners and local businesses. I’d like to thank them for all of their support.

“Detectives are continuing to question the arrested man and have been carrying out extensive inquiries over the last couple of days.”

Police are asking anyone with footage of the incident to contact them.

Dharma Mundell, who works at a newsagent metres away from where the collision happened, said people were smoking on the pavement outside the Bishop Blaise before the driver “sped up” and hit them.

The 26-year-old told the Press Association she was in “pure shock” after hearing screaming and seeing a woman who was bleeding from her head being put on to a stretcher.

She added: “This guy literally just sped up the road, straight on to the curb, straight through people.

“He literally just ploughed through the people. I’ve just seen a bunch of people on the road and he’s ploughed through them.”

Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, said: “I was really proud to hear of so many members of the public, the staff of the different businesses along this street as well, who did come and try and support others.”

She said there should be a review of areas where there might be crowds in Derby, which could mean putting bollards in place.

Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, spoke at the scene on Monday and said she was “absolutely horrified” by what happened.

She said that over the Easter bank holiday weekend, no vehicles will be able to drive along Friar Gate while people are celebrating in the evenings.

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, told PA: “It’s deeply shocking to learn that something like this could happen here at home.

“I really, really want to understand what has caused this before we jump to any conclusions.”

Police said the support of counter-terrorism officers does not mean the incident is being treated as terrorism.