A man wearing a Christmas hat cycles past the chaos moments before the vehicle mounts the pavement. Blood and scattered clothing, including a jacket, shoes, and a hat, were later seen in front of Caffe Concerto as police cordoned off the area.
Injuries and Arrest
Four pedestrians were taken to the hospital, with one person remaining in a life-threatening condition. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the driver had been involved in an altercation at a nearby nightclub prior to the attack.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy stated:
Officers responded quickly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest a man within minutes.
Detectives are quickly progressing enquiries as part of this investigation. It’s believed the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub prior to getting in his car and mounting the pavement.
The Met Police added that the incident is not terror-related and has been classified as isolated.
Impact on Shaftesbury Avenue
The normally bustling Shaftesbury Avenue, home to major West End theaters such as the Gielgud and Sondheim, was closed as forensic teams investigated the scene. Items left behind from the victims were bagged as evidence while officers reviewed nearby CCTV footage.
Theater performances, including Mrs. Doubtfire and Burn the Floor, were interrupted as the incident unfolded in this high-traffic area.
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.
- Contact Police: Call 101, quoting reference CAD 233 of December 25.
- Anonymous Reporting: Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the area as investigations continue. Further updates are expected as the case develops.
