Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after car crashes into pedestrians in London’s West End

Wednesday December 25, 2024 3:19 p.m.
| Updated:

Wednesday December 25, 2024 3:24 p.m.

The scene on Shaftesbury Avenue, central London, after four people were injured, one seriously, by a car which was driven onto a pavement in central London in the early hours of Christmas Day. A 31-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder. Photo date: Wednesday December 25, 2024. PA Photo. See AP POLICE Shaftesbury story. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after pedestrians were hit by a car in London’s West End in the early hours of Christmas Day.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 12.45am following reports of a collision and a car traveling on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue in the capital’s theater district.

Four pedestrians were taken to hospital and one is in life-threatening condition, police said.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, was arrested for attempted murder.

Police said they believe the suspect was “involved in an altercation at a nightclub before getting into his car and driving onto the sidewalk.”

They added that this had “been confirmed to be an isolated incident and not linked to terrorism”.

EDITORS NOTE CONTENT The scene on Shaftesbury Avenue, central London, after four people were injured, one seriously, by a car which was driven onto a pavement in central London in the early hours Christmas. A 31-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder. Photo date: Wednesday December 25, 2024. PA Photo. See AP POLICE Shaftesbury story. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Blood and clothing, including a jacket, shoes and a hat, were strewn on the sidewalk outside a Caffe Concerto.

Medical examiners could be seen packing up shoes and other clothing on the sidewalk.

The police cordon stretched between the Gielgud Theater, where the musical Oliver is performed, and the Sondheim Theater, which houses Les Miserables.

Another police cordon was on Archer Street and Great Windmill Street, covering the Windmill Soho nightclub and other venues in the Soho area.

Assistant Deputy Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “Officers responded quickly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest a man within minutes.

“Detectives are making rapid progress with this investigation.

“It is believed the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub before getting into his car and driving onto the sidewalk.

“Several scenes remain in place on site today.

“This is an isolated incident and is not related to terrorism.”

Anyone with information is asked to call officers on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 233 of December 25.

Sam Hall PA