Seven people have been seriously injured after a car drove into pedestrians in Derby city centre.
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, following the incident.
A black Suzuki Swift struck a number of people in the Friar Gate area of the city at around 9.30pm on Saturday night.
In an update issued on Sunday morning, Derbyshire Constabulary said seven people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews before being rushed to hospital.
They suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries. The force added: “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 and arrested a short time after the incident. He remains in police custody.
Police said their investigation into the incident is ongoing. “We are keeping an open mind as to the motives,” they added.
Friar Gate was closed from the junction with Curzon Street/Cheapside up to Ford Street. The force said the road was expected to be closed for some time, with people urged to avoid the area.
A witness described the scene as “absolute carnage”.
“It was utterly horrific,” they told The Mirror. “People were laying on the pavement covered in blood and on the road.”
One person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident also said there were “people on the floor”.
They told the Derby Telegraph: “It was such a frightening experience. We came around the corner and there was just people everywhere. We didn’t realise what had happened and then we slowly realised that it was something bad.”
Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said she was “deeply shocked” by reports of the casualties.
Posting on Facebook, she said: “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.
“Please follow police advice and avoid the area. Anyone who has information should contact them as soon as possible.”
Baggy Shanker, the MP for Derby South, said his thoughts are with “everyone who has been affected and with their loved ones”.
In a statement, Derbyshire Constabulary said: “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.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting incident 1131 of 28 March. The independent charity CrimeStoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
