Seven people have been injured after a car ploughed into a crowd in Derby city centre last night. 

The incident involving a black Suzuki Swift happened at around 9.30pm in the Friar Gate area of Derby. 

Seven people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews and rushed to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. 

A man in his 30s, originally from India, was found a short time later and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.

Officers said they are keeping an open mind about the motives of the attacker, while an investigation has been launched.   

Roads nearby were closed off, covering a large area from Curzon Street to Ford Street, and are expected to remain shut for some time. 

Catherine Atkinson, Labour MP for Derby North, said she is ‘deeply shocked’ by the news that people were injured in the incident. 

In a statement shared online, she added: ‘My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.

The scene on Friar Gate, Derby, after multiple pedestrians were struck by a car last night 

Flowers left at the scene this morning after it was confirmed seven people were injured 

Paramedics in the area last night after a car ploughed into a group of people in Derby 

‘Please follow police advice and avoid the area. Anyone who has information should contact them as soon as possible.’ 

The seven victims suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries, with police confirming no one died. 

Anyone with information can contact Derbyshire Police on their website, via a private message on Facebook or by calling 101, quoting incident 1131 of March 28. 

They can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.