A 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was driven into pedestrians in central London in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Two people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries. One of them, a woman in her 30s, remains in a critical condition. A man in his 50s sustained what officers describe as life-changing injuries. A third pedestrian, also a woman in her 30s, suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
The driver was detained by officers at the scene and is being held on suspicion of four offences: attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving. She remains in custody.
What happened in the early hours on Argyll Street
Police were called to Argyll Street, Westminster, shortly after 4.30am on Sunday, 19 April, following reports that a car had collided with pedestrians. London Ambulance Service crews attended alongside officers from the Met. Two of the injured were taken to hospital.
The force has said the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Why detectives are pressing for witnesses to come forward
Leading the investigation is Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell of Specialist Crime South, who has issued a public appeal for anyone who saw the collision — or anything that happened shortly before it — to contact the force.
Although the incident unfolded long before dawn, DCI Foxwell said officers believed a significant number of people were likely to have been in the vicinity.
“While this incident took place in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open, and we believe a number of people will have seen what happened,” she said.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or any activity prior to it that they feel may be of relevance, to come forward. The information you have — however minor you believe it may be — could be of crucial importance to investigators.”
DCI Foxwell also offered her sympathies to those caught up in the incident. “As our enquiries continue, our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones,” she said.
A late-night scene that may hold crucial clues
Argyll Street, which sits close to a number of late-night venues, was still busy when the collision occurred, according to the Metropolitan Police’s own account. Officers are hoping that patrons leaving nearby premises or passing through the area may have seen something of value to the investigation.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 3374/19APR. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
