A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after “multiple pedestrians” were struck by a car in Derby city centre.
The car, a black Suzuki Swift, struck a number of people in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday, police said.
“We can confirm that seven people were injured when a car was driven into pedestrians in a city centre street,” Derbyshire Police said in a statement on Facebook.
“The seven suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries and we can confirm that contrary to online speculation, no one died in the incident.”
A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was found a short time after the incident, said police.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
He remains in police custody.
East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 9.31pm yesterday, Saturday 28 March to Friar Gate, Derby. The caller reported a medical emergency.
“We sent a number of resources including three paramedics in three ambulance cars, seven ambulances and our Hazardous Area Response Team. We transported seven patients between Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.”
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One person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident told the Derby Telegraph there were “people on the floor”.
“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.”
Derbyshire Police said: “Our investigation is in its early stages but we want to hear from anyone who saw a black Suzuki Swift being driven in Derby around the time of the incident.
“Friar Gate is completely closed from the junction with Curzon Street/Cheapside up to Ford Street. The road will be closed for a considerable time so please avoid the area completely.”
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The force added: “Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.”
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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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.”
