Police in the UK says the incident in front of the Natural History Museum in London, that involved a car ploughing into pedestrians and vehicles is not terror-related. The incident left 11 people injured and the man responsible has been arrested after he was treated for minor injuries.
A black Toyota Prius hit the people outside the Natural History Museum in Exhibition Road, South Kensington, according to reports. A video footage which was circulated on Twitter showed a man, believed to be the driver, being restrained on the ground by two men.
The Metropolitan Police said the incident was thought to be a “road traffic collision” adding that a 47-year-old man had been arrested at the scene. “He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and received hospital treatment before being taken to a north London police station for questioning,” Metropolitan Police said on its website.
“This morning (Sunday, 8 October), he was released under investigation while enquiries continue,” he added. The Met Police, however, appealed for information about the incident from witnesses.
“Because of where this collision occurred and the number of pedestrians involved, I fully appreciate the concern and alarm this incident caused. Enquiries have established that this incident is not terrorist related and I’d like to thank those who came to assist the injured. Thankfully there are no serious injuries with the majority now discharged from the hospital.
“We are grateful for the patience of those in and around the area following the disruption caused. We would ask anybody who saw what happened, or who have any pictures or moving footage that could help us gain a greater understanding of what happened, to get in touch with us,” DC, Darren Case, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command said.
London Ambulance said the people it treated – including the detained man – had mostly sustained head and leg injuries. Nine were taken to hospital.
The Met said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening or life changing. Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her thanks to first responders and members of the public, adding: “My thoughts are with the injured.”
