Man arrested after car hits seven people in Derby

Man arrested after car hits seven people in DerbyBBCPolice said they do not believe there is any further risk to the publicA man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car struck seven people in Derby city centre.Derbyshire Police said a black Suzuki Swift was driven into pedestrians in Friar Gate at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday.Seven people were seriously hurt but their injuries are not life-threatening. Police said a man in his 30s, originally from India, was detained a short time later 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.Officers said there was no further risk to the public and the investigation into the circumstances was ongoing.The force said: "We are keeping an open mind as to the motives."Anyone with any information has been urged to come forward.Friar Gate has been completely closed from the junction with Curzon Street/Cheapside up to Ford Street, and people have been told to avoid the area completely."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," police said.A local person was quoted as saying by the Derby Telegraph that they were at a bar nearby and had come outside because "someone said a load of people had been hit by a car".They went on: "Everyone was talking about it and panicking, we know people who were in other bars and thought it might have been them."It's so sad, everyone is so shook up. People have been crying, I just can't believe something like this has happened." Derby Telegraph journalist Oscar Fisher attended the scene at around midnight, noting that the streets had "fallen silent" at a time in the city centre when the streets should be "filled with students and locals enjoying the nightlife".He said that in Friar Gate, debris remained scattered across what is "usually one of Derby's busiest streets".Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said she was "horrified" by the incident."My thoughts, and those of the entire city, are with those injured, their families, and everyone who witnessed this distressing event," she said in a statement."We are working closely with Derbyshire Police as they investigate the circumstances."Please continue to avoid the affected area to allow officers to carry out their vital work."I want to thank the emergency services for their rapid response and professional care under such difficult circumstances."Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.Related internet linksDerbyshire PoliceDerbyDerbyshire Police