Counter terror police investigating car ramming attack in Derby as Indian man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

Detectives from Derbyshire are leading the investigation with support from Counter Terrorism Policing, a routine step in cases of this nature.

The force said it is keeping an open mind about the motive behind the incident, which is not currently being treated as terrorism.

Seven people were injured, some seriously, when a black Suzuki Swift hit them on Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday.

All were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Updating the public at a press confrence, Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: “I can confirm that the suspected driver was arrested by officers on the other side of the city centre seven minutes after the incident took place.”

“He was safely stopped in the station approach, where the bridge crosses over towards Pride Park.

“This swift action would not have been possible without eyewitnesses who contacted us about the vehicle's whereabouts as it was driven away from the scene and around the city centre.

She continued: “Our investigation into the circumstances is still in its early stages. “A 36-year-old who lives in Derby remains in police custody and is being interviewed by detectives.

“We believe this is an isolated incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.

“The arrested man is originally from India, but has lived in the UK for a number of years. At this stage, I am unable to give any further details about him.

“As is common practice for an incident of this nature, our officers are leading the investigation with the support of counter-terrorism policing colleagues. “I would like to clarify that this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism.”

“Firstly I would like to send my best wishes to the people who were injured, their friends and families, and to the public who witnessed what will have been a very traumatic thing to see.

“I know this incident will have sent shockwaves through our communities but I would like to reassure people that we have a dedicated team of detectives working on it.

“Thanks to the fast actions of officers, working on eyewitness information from the public, we were able to quickly arrest the suspect in the city just a few minutes after the incident took place.

“I also want to thank the members of the public and staff from local businesses in Friar Gate, who helped officers with first aid in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

“We will provide updates to the public as quickly as we can, but sometimes those updates take a bit of time due to the complexity of the incident we are dealing with.

“I’d also like to thank business owners, their staff, and people whose cars are stuck within the cordon for their patience while we continue our work at the scene.”

An East Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman told GB News it sent three paramedics in three ambulances, seven ambulances, and its Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene after receiving a call at 9.31pm on Saturday.

Labour MP for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson, reacted to the incident in a statement published on social media.

She said: "I am deeply shocked by reports that people have been injured in a serious incident in Derby city centre this evening.

"My thoughts are with those injured, and I’m grateful to our emergency services."

She also urged people to follow police advice to avoid the area and for those with information to contact Derbyshire Constabulary as soon as possible.

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