Derby Car Horror: Several Seriously Injured After Vehicle Hits Pedestrians in City Centre

Man in His 30s Arrested After Saturday Night Incident on Friar Gate

Several people were seriously injured after a car drove into pedestrians in the centre of Derby on Saturday night.

The incident happened at about 9.30pm on Friar Gate, one of the city’s busiest nightlife streets, lined with pubs, bars and restaurants. Derbyshire Police said a black Suzuki Swift struck a number of pedestrians before being stopped shortly afterwards.

The driver, a man in his 30s, was arrested at the scene. He remains in police custody while officers investigate what happened. Police have not released his identity or said what offences he will face.

Seven Taken to Hospital

Emergency services rushed to the area within minutes. Ambulance crews treated victims at the roadside before taking them to hospital. Seven people went to hospital. They included patients taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre. Several are believed to have suffered serious injuries.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as people tried to help the injured.

One eyewitness said there were “people everywhere” and “people on the floor”, while another described the aftermath as “absolute carnage”. Some witnesses said victims were lying injured both on the pavement and in the road.

Police Say There Is No Ongoing Threat

Derbyshire Police acknowledged the scale of the incident. They stated there is no ongoing danger to the public. They reassured the community that the situation is under control.

In a statement, the force said: “Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people. We do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.”

Friar Gate remains closed between Curzon Street and Ford Street while forensic officers continue to examine the scene. Police said the road could remain shut for a considerable time.

What Caused the Incident?

Police have not yet confirmed whether the collision was deliberate, accidental, or caused by dangerous driving.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage and witness statements. They are also investigating the movements of the black Suzuki Swift before it reached Friar Gate. Officers have appealed for anyone who saw the vehicle in Derby shortly before 9.30pm to come forward.

At this stage, several possible explanations are being considered:

• The driver may have lost control while travelling too fast through a crowded city-centre street.
• The incident may have involved drink-driving or drug-driving.
• Police are also investigating whether the driver deliberately targeted pedestrians.

However, there is currently no evidence that the incident was linked to terrorism or a wider plot. Counter-terrorism police have not been involved, and authorities have repeatedly stressed that there is no wider threat to the public.

MPs React to Derby Incident

Catherine Atkinson expressed she was “deeply shocked” by reports of the casualties. She urged people to avoid the area. She also asked them to cooperate with police.

Baggy Shanker said his thoughts were with those injured and their families.