A man in his 30s remains in police custody following an incident in Derby city centre that left seven people requiring hospital treatment on Saturday evening.
Derbyshire Constabulary has launched an investigation into the collision involving a black Suzuki Swift, which occurred at approximately 9.30pm. Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have observed the vehicle being driven in Derby prior to the incident.
The force confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, though Friar Gate remains completely closed from the Curzon Street/Cheapside junction to Ford Street whilst investigations continue. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid the area entirely.
Seven casualties were transported to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre following the collision. East Midlands Ambulance Service deployed a substantial emergency response after receiving the alert at 9.31pm, sending seven ambulances, three paramedic cars and its Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.
Paramedics treated multiple seriously injured individuals on-site before arranging hospital transfers. Police intercepted and stopped the vehicle shortly after the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes in the city centre. One told The Mirror the situation was “absolute carnage” and “utterly horrific,” with injured people “covered in blood” on the pavement and roadway. Another witness reported hearing “screaming and yelling” during the incident.
A Derby resident who had been inside a nearby establishment said they emerged after “someone said a load of people had been hit by a car.” The individual described widespread panic amongst patrons, with many concerned about acquaintances who had been in other venues nearby.
“Everyone was talking about it and panicking, we know people who were in other bars and thought it might have been them,” they stated, adding that people were visibly distressed and crying in response to the news.
Catherine Atkinson, Labour MP for Derby North, issued a statement expressing shock at the reports. “I am deeply shocked by reports that people have been injured in a serious incident in Derby city centre this evening,” she said. “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.”
Ms Atkinson urged the public to follow police guidance to stay away from the affected area and encouraged anyone with information to contact Derbyshire Constabulary immediately.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
