A man has been charged with attempted murder after pedestrians were hit by a car in central London on Christmas Day. The incident occurred around 12:45 AM on December 25, when police received reports of a car driving on the wrong side of the road along Shaftesbury Avenue.
Authorities found four pedestrians injured at the scene, all of whom were transported to the hospital, with one person remaining in a life-threatening condition. Anthony Gilheaney, 30, was charged on December 27 with four counts of attempted murder, serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article in public. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
A police cordon was established covering significant areas near the Gielgud Theatre and Sondheim Theatre, both located within London's theatre district. This region remains closed to traffic as investigations continue.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy addressed the severity of the situation, stating, "The suspect was arrested within minutes of his violent attack." He emphasized the hard work of investigators, who have since charged Gilheaney and expressed concern for the victims.
Gilheaney is accused of driving a Mercedes-Benz E-Class when he collided with pedestrians. His recklessness was reported just after midnight when officers responded to multiple calls about the car’s erratic driving. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with panic spreading quickly among bystanders.
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, authorities have noted Gilheaney was driving whilst disqualified and allegedly possessed a small knife at the time of his arrest. Such allegations have raised concerns about public safety and the potential for similar incidents.
The police cordon around Shaftesbury Avenue extended to Archer Street and Great Windmill Street, affecting popular nightlife venues, including the Windmill Soho nightclub. Investigations indicated Gilheaney might have been involved in prior altercations before the crash.
The police are treating this as an isolated event, reassuring the public there is no broader threat. It has been confirmed the incident is not terror-related, which has relieved some concern among local residents and business owners.
Days after the incident, investigators collected evidence from the crash scene, which included blood and personal items scattered across the pavement. Forensic teams were photographed bagging shoes and clothes from the area, indicating the level of violence associated with the event.
“Our thoughts are with the victims,” Cundy said, emphasizing the importance of community and support during such tragic events. One of the injured remains critically ill, and many local residents are rallying around them, wishing for their recovery.
The aftermath of this incident poses questions about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers, especially those who might attempt to engage with nightlife without proper consideration of their actions. Officials hope this case might lead to increased awareness and policies aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
Community leaders have begun discussing initiatives to improve safety on busy streets known for their nightlife, where crowds often gather late at night. They highlighted the need for vigilance by both drivers and pedestrians, particularly during festivities when alcohol consumption is higher.
The Christmas Day events serve as cautionary tales reinforcing the significance of responsible behavior. Law enforcement agencies will likely increase patrols during busy nights to deter impaired driving and to promote safety throughout the city.
Overall, as the legal process advances against Gilheaney, the focus remains on the victims and their recovery. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served, sending a clear message about the consequences of reckless driving and violence.
