British police question suspect after car hits pedestrians in English city

LONDON – British police were on March 29 questioning a 36-year-old man arrested for attempted murder after a car ploughed into people on a street in a central English city, injuring seven of them.

Police in Derby, about 64km north of Birmingham, said counter-terrorism officers were supporting the probe, but they had not yet determined a motive for the incident late on March 28.

In an update on March 29, Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred told reporters that investigators believe the “horrific incident” was “isolated” and there was “no wider risk to the public”.

“Officers were on scene just seconds after a car collided with pedestrians who were simply enjoying a night out in Derby,” she said.

“While none of those injured in the incident (has) suffered life-threatening physical injuries, the impact on them, I am sure, is just beginning to be felt.”

She noted the involvement of counter-terror officers was “common practice for an incident of this nature” as police probe the circumstances and a possible motive.

“I would like to clarify that this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism,” she added.

The 36-year-old in custody is originally from India but is a Derby resident who has lived in Britain “for a number of years”.

British police have started to release such details in some high-profile cases after a 2024 Southport mass stabbing targeting children was initially falsely blamed on a purported immigrant.

Misinformation online was viewed as helping to fuel anti-immigration riots that subsequently swept Britain.

The suspect in the Derby incident was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.

Police have opted not to provide any further details about him.

The Interior Ministry declined to comment on his immigration and citizenship status.

“The police are leading the investigation and ministers are being kept updated as it progresses,” a spokeswoman for the ministry said.

Officers detained the suspect on the other side of central Derby seven minutes after the incident unfolded, thanks to eyewitnesses reporting the vehicle’s movements in its aftermath, police said.

The black Suzuki Swift car had struck the pedestrians at about 9.30pm in the area around Friar Gate which is a popular nightlife spot.

The seven injured, some seriously according to police, were treated at the scene and then taken to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in the nearby city of Nottingham. AFP