The incident occurred around 9:30pm on Saturday, March 28, in the Friar Gate area of Derby, outside the Bishop Blaise pub, according to multiple reports. A black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement and struck pedestrians, as described by several media outlets. According to multiple reports, the vehicle collided with people enjoying a drink with friends, and the car clearly mounted the kerb and pavement once. This event has prompted a significant police response and ongoing investigation.
Seven people were injured, some seriously, in the collision. The victims were four men and three women aged between 36 and 52, multiple reports indicate. They were taken to hospital for treatment, with their conditions being monitored closely by medical staff. The exact nature of their injuries and their current medical prognosis remain unknown, as authorities have not released detailed health updates.
Conflicting reports exist regarding the number of victims discharged from hospital. Some media sources state that four of the seven victims have been discharged, while others report only two have been released, creating uncertainty about the recovery status. All injuries are described as non-life-threatening by these same reports, but the discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in obtaining consistent information. According to an official statement, four people currently remain in hospital and an investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Sandhu Ponnachan, originally from India, was arrested seven minutes after the incident, two miles away from the scene, according to multiple media accounts. The suspect drove off along Friar Gate away from the city centre, towards Ashbourne Road, then onto Bridge Street, Lodge Lane towards Five Lamps, Garden Street and Duffield Road before going onto St Alkmund’s Way, as detailed in reports. His rapid apprehension followed a brief pursuit through several streets, which police are still reconstructing as part of their inquiry.
Ponnachan has been charged with dangerous driving, six counts of GBH with intent, one count of attempted GBH with intent, and possession of a bladed article, according to multiple sources. He appeared at Southern Derby Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody until an appearance at Derby Crown Court on April 29, as reported by media outlets. According to multiple reports, Ponnachan is facing a number of charges from the incident on March 28th. The legal proceedings will continue as evidence is gathered and presented in court.
Counter-terrorism police are assisting the investigation, but it is not currently treated as terrorism, according to Derbyshire Constabulary and officers. Police do not believe there is any continued risk to the public, a stance reinforced by official statements. A police spokesperson emphasized that they want to assure the public that they do not believe there is any continued risk. The involvement of counter-terrorism units raises questions about the evidence that led to their participation, though authorities have not disclosed specific details.
Roads in the area have been closed and are expected to remain shut for some time, multiple reports indicate. The police cordon around the scene is expected to be lifted for businesses this morning, according to widespread media coverage. Friar Gate will be closed to cars this Easter Bank Holiday, as noted by several sources, impacting local traffic and commerce during a typically busy period. According to multiple reports, the city is in deep shock, but locals are relieved that nobody was fatally hurt, and some plan to buy a pint in the area to stand firm.
Police are urging anyone with footage or information about the incident to come forward, according to Derbyshire Police. This appeal aims to gather additional evidence and witness accounts to support the ongoing investigation. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events of that evening.
Eyewitnesses described seeing people on the floor after the incident, as reported by multiple media outlets. Shop owners reported hearing banging and screaming from the street, according to sources. According to multiple reports, the scene was described as carnage, with people lying injured on the ground with blood pouring from their heads. These accounts paint a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued following the collision.
The motive behind the driver's actions remains unknown, as investigators continue to explore all possibilities. What specific evidence led to the charges against Sandhu Ponnachan, and the basis for counter-terrorism involvement, are also unclear at this stage. These unknowns are central to the ongoing police work, which aims to uncover the full context of the event.
The timeline for the police investigation and any potential further legal proceedings is yet to be determined, as authorities proceed with forensic and witness inquiries. How the closure of Friar Gate during Easter will affect local businesses and traffic flow is another area of concern, with community leaders monitoring the situation closely. According to multiple reports, this incident has sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole. The incident was described as horrific, and the busy street, packed with bars and restaurants, would be subjected to a traffic ban over the long Easter weekend, with the council setting up a recovery group to help reassure people. It was described as a serious but isolated incident, reflecting efforts to contextualize the event while addressing public anxiety.