A man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after four pedestrians were hit by a car in London’s West End on Christmas Day. Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has also been charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey next year. One victim remains in a serious condition and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said a suspect was arrested within minutes of the “violent attack” occurring at 00:45 GMT on December 25. Cundy remarked, “Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of whom remains in serious condition.”
The Metropolitan Police indicated they were alerted after reports of the car driving on the wrong side of Shaftesbury Avenue, located at the heart of London’s theatre district. Eyewitness accounts describe the harrowing moment when the vehicle mounted the pavement.
Video footage captured the intensity of the situation, with one bystander exclaiming, "Oh s**" as chaos unfolded. Forensic investigators later documented blood and clothing scattered across the pavement at the scene, including items collected from outside Caffe Concerto.
Continuing to provide updates on the victims, authorities confirmed one individual remains critically injured, requiring immediate medical attention. Investigators assert the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub just prior to getting behind the wheel, leading to the tragic incident.
Cundy reaffirmed the nature of the event, indicating, “We believe this to be an isolated incident which is not terror-related.” He also noted, “Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case,” underscoring the prompt arrest.
The police have cordoned off the area between the Gielgud Theatre, where the musical Oliver! is staged, and the Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Miserables*, as the investigation proceeds.
With charges against Gilheaney being serious, the legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention, not only because of the nature of the charges but due to the public interest surrounding Christmas Day incidents, which remain sensitive to communities.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police, as authorities continue piecing together the events leading up to this disturbing series of offenses.
