Man charged after seven people hit by car in Derby city centre

A 36-year-old man has been charged after a car struck a number of pedestrians in Derby city centre on Saturday. Sandhu Ponnachan, from Alvaston, Derby, has been charged with six counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and one count of attempted GBH with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article. Seven people were seriously hurt when they were hit by a black Suzuki Swift in Friar Gate at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday. Ponnachan, who police said was originally from India, is due before magistrates on Wednesday. In a statement, Ch Supt Emma Aldred called the charge "positive news", but reiterated that the investigation was ongoing and called on the public to come forward with any information. "This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole," she said. Aldred added: "My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene." She also urged the public to "allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation" that could impede the "pursuit of justice for all those affected". Janine McKinney, from