Derby City Centre Car Attack: Man Arrested After Seven Pedestrians Injured
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident in Derby city centre where a car struck multiple pedestrians, injuring seven people. The driver, a man in his 30s originally from India, was taken into police custody after the vehicle was stopped shortly after the attack.
Police Investigation Underway
Derbyshire Police confirmed that the incident occurred on Friar Gate at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The force stated in a Facebook announcement that seven individuals were injured when a car was deliberately driven into pedestrians on the city centre street.
The arrested suspect faces multiple charges including attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. Police have emphasized that their investigation remains in its early stages but have reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk to community safety.
Emergency Response and Injuries
East Midlands Ambulance Service received an emergency call at 9:31 PM reporting a medical emergency at the scene. The service deployed significant resources including three paramedics in ambulance cars, seven ambulances, and their Hazardous Area Response Team to manage the situation.
All seven injured patients were transported to medical facilities, with some taken to Royal Derby Hospital and others to Queen's Medical Centre for treatment. While specific details about the severity of injuries remain undisclosed, authorities have confirmed that some victims sustained serious harm.
Witness Accounts and Road Closures
One witness who arrived shortly after the incident described a chaotic scene to the Derby Telegraph, noting "people on the floor" and expressing how frightening the experience was. "We came around the corner and there was just people everywhere," the witness recounted. "We didn't realise what had happened and then we slowly realised that it was something bad."
Police have completely closed Friar Gate from the junction with Curzon Street and Cheapside up to Ford Street, warning that the road will remain closed for a considerable time. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area entirely while investigations continue.
Police Appeal and Political Response
Derbyshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen a black Suzuki Swift being driven in Derby around the time of the incident. The force is particularly interested in gathering any information that could assist with their ongoing investigation into this serious attack.
Local political figures have expressed shock and concern about the incident. Labour MP for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson, stated she was "deeply shocked by reports that people have been injured in a serious incident in Derby city centre." She extended her thoughts to those injured and expressed gratitude to emergency services responding to the crisis.
Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, similarly conveyed that his thoughts were with "everyone who has been affected and with their loved ones" following the traumatic event. Both politicians have urged residents to follow police guidance and avoid the affected area while investigations proceed.
The incident has raised significant concerns about public safety in the city centre, though police have been careful to emphasize that they believe this was an isolated incident with no continuing threat to the wider community. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this alarming attack on pedestrians in Derby.
