Counter-terrorism officers in England are assisting with the investigation in Derby city centre after seven people suffered serious injuries when a car hit pedestrians, but police are keeping an open mind about potential motives.
A 36-year-old Derby man, who is originally from India but has lived in the UK for a number of years, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm yesterdayand remains in police custody, Derbyshire Police said.
Seven people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital, with a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries, when they were hit by a black Suzuki Swift, the force added.
The suspect was found a short time after the incident and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, police said.
The force said the support of counter terrorism officers does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism.
Derbyshire Police said in a statement: "Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of Counter Terrorism Policing colleagues, which is common practice for an incident of this nature, and are keeping an open mind about the potential motives.
"Although counter terrorism officers are assisting us with those early investigations, this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism."
Local resident Mark Lucas, 47, described seeing people on the floor who appeared to be "seriously hurt" after the incident.
He said: "I ended up coming down with my son and I realised it was a big incident – people were over the floor and there were a lot of police and ambulances.
"I was with my son so I quickly sort of got him out the way."
Mr Lucas described seeing paramedics trying to help two people on the floor who appeared to be "seriously hurt" and "weren't moving".
He said Derby is not the type of place where people say "it never happens here".
The father said he thinks there is "a lot of violence at the moment" in the area.
