A man is fighting for his life after being struck by a car on Christmas Day along Shaftesbury Avenue, London. The incident took place during the early hours, escaping from what witnesses suggest was a heated altercation outside a nightclub.
Metropolitan Police received reports at 12:45 AM indicating the driver, who was traveling on the wrong side of the road, had hit four pedestrians. Following the accident, officers swiftly apprehended the 31-year-old suspect on suspicion of attempted murder.
According to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy, police responded rapidly, coordinating with the City of London Police to secure the arrest within minutes. “Detectives are quickly progressing inquiries as part of this investigation,” said Cundy. He explained this shocking incident appeared to be isolated and unrelated to any terrorism activities.
At the scene, emergency responders found one man with life-threatening injuries, and three others sustained injuries whose nature has not yet been disclosed publicly. The investigation is still active, with police maintaining several crime scene cordons to gather evidence.
The area surrounding Shaftesbury Avenue serves as London’s vibrant theatre district, frequented by locals and tourists alike. The police cordons stretch between the Gielgud Theatre and the Sondheim Theatre, home to notable productions like Oliver and Les Miserables, respectively. On the ground, forensic officers collected various items, including pieces of clothing and personal belongings, left behind amid the chaos.
The police indicated the driver was involved in an altercation outside the Caffe Concerto prior to the incident. This conflict appears to have escalated, leading the suspect to mount the pavement with his vehicle and collide with pedestrians.
Residents and visitors around Covent Garden, where the incident occurred, expressed their concern over the event, drawing attention to the dangers posed by reckless driving, especially near crowded venues.
The local community is shaken by the incident, and officials are urging anyone with information about the altercation or the crash to come forward. Cundy noted, “Officers are working diligently to piece together the details of this event.”
Authorities are asking any witnesses to call police on 101 or make contact via Twitter under the reference @MetCC CAD 233 of December 25. They have also invited people to reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers for complete anonymity at 0800 555 111.
At this time, witnesses describe the night as festive, with many enjoying the holiday atmosphere before the scene quickly transformed following the violent event. Community members are left wondering how such incidents might be prevented moving forward, as safety continues to be the top priority during the busy holiday season.
With investigations still underway, residents are paying close attention to the developments concerning the victims and the efforts by officers to bring clarity to the tragic incident on one of the busiest nights of the year.
