A man has been arrested after a car ploughed into four pedestrians following a fight outside a private event in Leicester city centre in the early hours of this morning.
Three victims are fighting for their lives in hospital after the horrifying incident on De Montfort Street at 12.34am, which left two men and two women injured.
A 31-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving following the collision.
Leicestershire Police confirmed the shocking incident happened after officers received reports of a fight at the same location – with all those involved having attended a private event nearby.
ABANDONED VEHICLE FOUND
The vehicle believed to have been used in the attack was found abandoned on nearby Margaret Street and has been recovered by police as part of the investigation.
A large cordon remains in place in De Montfort Street as forensic teams comb the scene for evidence.
Three of the four victims suffered serious injuries and remain in hospital, while one man sustained minor injuries. All four are still receiving treatment.
PRIVATE EVENT LINK
Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall revealed: “From enquiries, it is understood that the suspect and the four victims involved in the collision had all been in attendance at a private event nearby prior to the incident.
The nature of the private event has not been disclosed by police.
Officers were initially called to reports of a fight at the location before the car collision occurred moments later.
‘SERIOUS CONCERN’
DI Tattersall acknowledged the gravity of the incident, saying: “We understand the serious concern there will be about this incident.
Four people currently remain in hospital and an investigation is ongoing as we continue to establish the full circumstances and the events leading up to this incident.
She added: “A large cordon is in place in the area of De Montfort Street and will remain while enquiries, including forensic investigations, are carried out.”
Police have issued a stern warning to the public not to speculate about the incident on social media.
We do ask that people do not speculate about this incident, including on social media, in order to allow a thorough investigation to take place,” DI Tattersall said.
“We have officers at the scene carrying out enquiries and providing reassurance. Please do speak with them regarding any information you may have or any concerns you may have.”
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
The arrested man remains in police custody where he is being questioned by detectives.
He faces potential charges of:
- Causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
Both charges carry significant prison sentences if convicted.
WITNESS APPEAL
Leicestershire Police are urgently appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident or the events leading up to it.
Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who:
- Attended the private event
- Witnessed the fight that preceded the collision
- Saw the vehicle being driven erratically
- Has dashcam or mobile phone footage
Anyone with information is asked to speak to police at the scene or contact them on 101 quoting incident number 27 of May 31.
CITY CENTRE CHAOS
The incident has shocked residents in Leicester’s city centre, with De Montfort Street remaining sealed off throughout Saturday morning.
The area, popular with late-night revellers, was busy at the time of the incident with several venues nearby.
Local businesses have been forced to close as the police cordon remains in place while investigations continue.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what sparked the initial fight and how it escalated into such a serious incident leaving four people hospitalised.
