Police investigating a serious car-ramming incident in the English city of Derby say they are keeping an “open mind” about the motive, as a 36-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
The incident occurred at around 9:30pm on Saturday on Friar Gate, a busy nightlife area in Derby city centre, where a car drove into pedestrians, leaving seven people injured. Emergency services responded rapidly, treating victims at the scene before taking them to hospital with what authorities described as serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Derbyshire Police confirmed that the suspect, a local man originally from India who has lived in the UK for several years, was arrested within minutes of the incident, after officers tracked the vehicle to another part of the city. He is being held on suspicion of multiple offences, including attempted murder, dangerous driving, and causing grievous bodily harm.
Counter-terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, although police have stressed that this is standard procedure in incidents of this nature and does not mean the case is being treated as terrorism. Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said detectives are exploring all possibilities and are “keeping an open mind” about what may have led to the attack.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes in the immediate aftermath, with injured people lying on the street and bystanders rushing to help before emergency services arrived. Local businesses were temporarily closed as forensic teams examined the area, and a police cordon remained in place for several hours.
Authorities have reassured the public that they believe the incident to be isolated and that there is no wider threat to the community. However, investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with video footage to come forward as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter.
The incident has shocked the local community, with political leaders and organisations expressing support for those injured and their families, while police continue their inquiries into what led to the accident.
English