Man charged after seven people seriously injured by car in Derby

Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, charged with grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and possession of a bladed article

A 36-year-old man has been charged after seven people sustained injuries when a car hit pedestrians on one of Derby’s busiest streets, police have said.

Sandhu Ponnachan was charged on Tuesday with six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm, one count of dangerous driving and one count of possession of a bladed article, Derbyshire police said.

Ponnachan, of Chariot Close, Alvaston, has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire magistrates court on Wednesday.

Counter-terrorism officers assisted the investigation after seven people were injured – some seriously – outside the Bishop Blaise pub in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday when a black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement.

The victims were four men and three women aged between 36 and 52; four have been discharged from hospital, Derbyshire police said.

Their injuries have been described by police as not life-threatening.

Ponnachan, who is originally from India but now lives in Derby, was arrested seven minutes after the incident.

Ch Supt Emma Aldred said: “This incident has, naturally, sent shock waves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole.

“My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene.

“I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the people that have assisted our investigation – the public, partner agencies, local businesses and also the media and wider community for their patience and understanding as we have worked to seek a charge.”

Derbyshire police have asked anyone with footage of the incident to contact them.

The force previously said the support of counter-terrorism officers does not mean the incident is being treated as terrorism.