Counter terrorism officers 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 had 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 on Saturday and 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 Derbyshire detectives are leading the investigation with the support of counter terrorism officers, but it 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.”