Car hits 'multiple' pedestrians in Derby city centre

A man has been arrested after "multiple pedestrians" were struck by a car in Derby city centre, police have said.

A number of people were injured, some of them seriously, and were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital. Police stopped a vehicle believed to have been involved, shortly after the incident which happened in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday.

The driver, a man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was arrested and is in police custody. East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 9.31pm yesterday, Saturday 28 March to Friar Gate, Derby.

The caller reported a medical emergency. "We sent a number of resources including three paramedics in three ambulance cars, seven ambulances and our Hazardous Area Response Team.

We transported seven patients between Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre." One person who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident told the Derby Telegraph there were "people on the floor"."It was such a frightening experience. We came around the corner and there was just people everywhere," they said."We didn't realise what had happened and then we slowly realised that it was something bad." Read more from Sky News:'Half a million' join London rally against far rightThe debt trap: Student loan crisis explained Derbyshire Police said: "Our investigation is in its early stages but we want to hear from anyone who saw a black Suzuki Swift being driven in Derby around the time of the incident.

"Friar Gate is completely closed from the junction with Curzon Street/Cheapside up to Ford Street. The road will be closed for a considerable time so please avoid the area completely." The force added: "Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public." In a social media post, Labour MP for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson, said: "I am deeply shocked by reports that people have been injured in a serious incident in Derby city centre this evening.

"My thoughts are with those injured and I'm grateful to our emergency services. "Please follow police advice and avoid the area.

Anyone who has information should contact them as soon as possible. Baggy Shanker, the MP for Derby South, said his thoughts were with "everyone who has been affected and with their loved ones"..