Counter-terror officers are assisting a police investigation after pedestrians were struck by a car in Derby city centre, with a man arrested over the incident. The 36-year-old, originally from India but who has lived in the UK for a number of years, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody, Derbyshire Police said.
The car, a black Suzuki Swift, struck a number of people in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday, police said.Seven people were taken to hospital with injuries, some of those serious but not life-threatening, Derbyshire Police said in a statement on Facebook.
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Shoes and blankets at the scene. Pic: PA
The statement added: “Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of Counter Terrorism Policing colleague.
“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, area commander for Derby, speaking at a media conference, called it a “horrific incident” that has “shocked the city”.Officers were on the scene seconds after a car struck pedestrians, she said.
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Police cordon near to the scene in Friar Gate, Derby. Pic: PA
East Midlands Ambulance Service said it had sent three ambulance cars, seven ambulances and its Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.
Read more from Jattvibe:’Half a million’ join London rally against far rightThe debt trap: Student loan crisis explainedThe ambulance service said it transported seven patients between Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.One person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident told the Derby Telegraph there were “people on the floor”.
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A forensic investigator at the scene. Pic: PA
“It was such a frightening experience. We came around the corner and there was just people everywhere,” they said.”We didn’t realise what had happened and then we slowly realised that it was something bad.”
A section of Friar Gate is expected to be closed for some time and people are asked to avoid the area.Baggy Shanker, the MP for Derby South, said his thoughts were with “everyone who has been affected and with their loved ones”.
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‘Multiple pedestrians’ struck by car in Derby
He added: “Thank you to the emergency services for their response. Derbyshire Police have confirmed a man has been arrested and that they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.”
