Man charged after car hit pedestrians in Derby city centre

A man has been charged after a car mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians in Derby city centre on Saturday evening.

Seven people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries, after they were struck by a black Suzuki Swift outside a pub in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday.

Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, from the Alvaston area of the city, has been charged with six counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article.

Derbyshire Police said in a statement that he was arrested shortly after the collision, adding he is originally from India but has been in the UK for several years.

Ponnachan has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Seven people - aged between 36 and 52 - were hurt in the crash.

Four of them were taken to hospital and have since been discharged, police said.

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

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Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said she hopes the charge "brings a degree of reassurance" but appealed for help as the investigation continues.

"This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole," she said.

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

"While today's charge is positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward," she said in a statement.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man charged after car hit pedestrians in Derby city centre