‘I’ll have a pint in Derby after horror car smash – we’ll stand firm’ | UK | News
Police have conducted forensic investigation work at the scene (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
A Derby landlord has said he will buy a pint in the area of the city hit by a horror car smash to “stand firm”. Steve Kirk, 67, runs the Neptune in Osmaston Road. He said the city was in “deep shock”, but locals are relieved that nobody was fatally hurt after a car struck pedestrians in Friar Gate, injuring several people, on Saturday evening. “It’s the talk of the pub, obviously, but I think there’s mass relief there’s nobody critically ill,” he said.
“But there’s still shock. It shouldn’t be happening, should it? It’s Derby, at the end of the day. You don’t this happening here. It obviously brings it home now.” A 36-year-old man, who came to the UK from India several years ago, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Counter-terror officers are assisting Derbyshire Police’s investigation into the incident, but the force has emphasised that this “does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism”.
READ MORE: Body of teen found in tragic hunt for missing Birmingham City fan
READ MORE: ‘People laying on pavement covered in blood’ after car ploughs into crowds
Steve Kirk is landlord of The Neptune pub in Derby city centre (Image: LDRS)
When asked if people would flock back to the popular area where locals enjoy nights out, Mr Kirk said: “I like to think so… It certainly wouldn’t put me off.
“If anything… I’m tempted to go for a drink down to Friar Gate when it’s all opened up to prove we stand firm.”
He added that he hopes other residents of the East Midlands city will join him. Derby’s community always sticks together, the pub boss said. Earlier today, police issued a fresh appeal for footage from the area.
Derbyshire Police said: “Detectives investigating the incident at Friar Gate in Derby are urging anyone with footage that could help our inquiries to come forward.
“Seven people were hospitalised when they were struck by a black Suzuki Swift, which was driven at them at about 9.30pm on Saturday, 28 March.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred spoke to the media after the incident (Image: PA)
“Friar Gate was busy with revellers at the time, and although some witnesses have already contacted us, we are now urging anyone who hasn’t yet done so to get in touch now. In particular, we want to hear from anyone who has footage of the incident taking place.
“We also want to hear from drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage capturing the Suzuki Swift before or after.
“It is thought that the suspect drove off along Friar Gate away from the city centre, towards Ashbourne Road, then onto Bridge Street, Lodge Lane towards Five Lamps, Garden Street and Duffield Road before going onto St Alkmund’s Way.
“The visibly damaged vehicle was then safely stopped by police a short time later at Station Approach, on the way over to Pride Park.
“If you have any mobile phone, dashcam or CCTV footage that could help, please contact us using one of the methods listed below.”
