London, UK – A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after driving a car into four pedestrians in the West End during the early hours of Christmas Day.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 AM on Wednesday on Shaftesbury Avenue in Covent Garden. The Metropolitan Police reported being alerted to a car collision and reckless driving on the wrong side of the road.
Following the collision, all four victims were rushed to the hospital. While three have been treated for non-life-threatening injuries, one pedestrian remains in a critical, life-threatening condition.
The suspect was apprehended “within minutes” by officers in collaboration with City of London Police. Authorities believe the driver had been involved in an altercation at a nearby nightclub before getting into his car and veering onto the pavement.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident is being treated as isolated and not terror-related. Detectives are working swiftly to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Scene of the Incident
Shaftesbury Avenue, a bustling hub in London’s theater district near Covent Garden and Soho, remains cordoned off as investigations continue. The police cordon stretches from the Gielgud Theatre, where Oliver! is currently being performed, to the Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Misérables.
Items of clothing, including a jacket, shoes, and hat, were seen scattered across the pavement near Caffe Concerto.
Additional police cordons have been set up on Archer Street and Great Windmill Street, a short distance away in Soho. These cordons include the Windmill Soho nightclub and other local entertainment venues.
Police Statements
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cundy stated, “Officers responded quickly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest a man within minutes.
“Detectives are quickly progressing inquiries as part of this investigation. It’s believed that the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub prior to getting in his car and mounting the pavement.
“Several scenes remain in place at the location today. This has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related.”
Public Call for Information
The Metropolitan Police urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Witnesses can call 101 or post @MetCC referencing CAD 233 of December 25.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over London’s typically festive theater district on one of the year’s most joyous days. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging patience as they secure the scene and gather evidence.