A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after pedestrians were hit by his car in London's West End during the early hours of Christmas Day. The incident unfolded around 00:45 AM on December 25, when the Metropolitan Police received reports of the driver reversing onto the pavement after apparently driving on the wrong side of Shaftesbury Avenue, across from popular theatres.
According to police, four pedestrians were struck, with one victim sustaining life-threatening injuries and taken to the hospital. The suspected driver, identified as a 31-year-old man, was involved in what authorities say was likely linked to prior violence at a nearby nightclub.
"Officers responded quickly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest the man within minutes," stated Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy. He confirmed the suspicion of attempted murder as investigators work to piece together the circumstances leading to the collision.
Witnesses have described chaos following the incident. Items such as shoes, clothing, and blood were scattered across the pavement near Caffe Concerto, indicating the severity of the collision. Forensic teams worked diligently at the scene, collecting evidence and documenting the aftermath.
Police cordons have been established between the Gielgud Theatre, well-known for its production of Oliver, and the Sondheim Theatre, where audiences can catch Les Miserables. Additional police barriers are set up around nearby venues, including popular nightspots like Windmill Soho, as part of the investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cundy reassured the public about the nature of the incident, stating, "This has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related." Authorities have focused their inquiries on the nightclub altercation believed to have sparked the driver's erratic behavior.
The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance during such investigations. They can be contacted via 101, quoting reference CAD 233 of December 25.
Meanwhile, the affected families of the injured pedestrians are receiving support from specially trained officers as the community grapples with the impact of the incident. Christmas, typically associated with joy and celebration, has now been marred by this tragic event.
Police continue to progress their inquiries, with multiple scenes secured as detectives work to gather every possible detail from eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence.
This disturbing incident highlights the serious consequences of reckless driving, particularly when influenced by prior conflicts and potentially volatile circumstances. The police remain vigilant as they continue to keep the public updated on their findings.
With Christmas celebrations taking place, the shocking nature of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals face within urban settings. London’s West End is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and cultural offerings; incidents like this remind us all of the unpredictability of such environments.
