Counter-Terror Unit Assists in Investigating City Center Collision

Derbyshire Police are still interrogating a man detained on charges of attempted murder following a collision that left seven individuals injured in the city center. A black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians in Friar Gate around 21:30 GMT on Saturday, according to authorities. The involvement of counter-terrorism officers has been noted, though Derbyshire Police emphasized this is standard procedure for such events, maintaining an open mindset regarding possible motives.

The suspect, a 36-year-old resident of Derby with Indian origins, has been charged with causing serious harm through reckless driving, grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. Authorities have not classified the incident as a terrorist act and confirmed there is no immediate threat to the public.

At a press briefing at the scene, Ch Supt Emma Aldred described the event as a ‘horrific incident that has shocked the city deeply.’ She mentioned that officers arrived within seconds of the collision and apprehended the suspect seven minutes later on a bridge leading to Pride Park.

The car was driven from the scene, and the rapid response by police was facilitated by witnesses who promptly alerted authorities. CCTV footage from a nearby takeaway captured the collision and its immediate aftermath in Friar Gate, as local business owners rushed to aid the injured.

Aldred also expressed gratitude towards the public for assisting victims and providing initial medical care. The injured were seriously hurt but not in life-threatening condition, with police clarifying that ‘contrary to online speculation, no fatalities occurred in the incident.’

Later that day, investigators sought public assistance in retrieving video footage of the event or dashcam recordings before and after the collision. The car is believed to have traveled from Friar Gate toward Ashbourne Road, then Bridge Street, Lodge Lane, Five Lamps, Garden Street, and Duffield Road before reaching St Alkmund’s Way.

Mark Lucas, a nearby resident, witnessed the aftermath and stated: ‘I came down with my son and realized it was a major incident. People were on the ground, and there were numerous police and ambulances. We weren’t sure what had transpired until we saw the car had run over pedestrians.’

Eren Celebi, a 23-year-old shop worker, recounted hearing ‘screaming and shouting’ following the collision. ‘I didn’t see the exact moment, but I was serving customers and heard a lot of commotion outside,’ he said. Upon exiting the shop, he observed individuals lying on the pavement and main road, describing the scene as chaotic with people running about and attempting to summon an ambulance.’

Friar Gate was closed from Curzon Street/Cheapside to Ford Street but reopened by 15:00 BST. On Sunday, the scene was eerily quiet, with police tape surrounding the area and officers patrolling. The area, typically bustling with restaurants and bars, was lively on Saturday night, drawing students and locals alike. Derby, a city with a strong community feel, saw a palpable sense of shock from passersby, who believed such an event was unlikely to occur there. Vehicles parked in Friar Gate were temporarily immobilized until the cordoned area was lifted and the road was reopened. Debris, including clothing and footwear, littered the site, while forensic teams in white suits were seen documenting the scene.