London — Panic broke out at a peaceful protest in central London on Monday evening when a car suddenly veered off the road and drove directly into a group of demonstrators, leading to injury, chaos and widespread alarm. According to eyewitness accounts and footage captured at the scene, this vehicle suddenly accelerated toward them without warning and struck multiple individuals before finally coming to rest.
BBC journalist Lucy Graham was covering the protest live and was horrified to witness what was transpiring just meters away.
Graham reported, “I saw several people crying and running in all directions as the car came straight into the crowd and directly struck it, forcing people to scramble away from its path as some were knocked to the ground.” Graham described what unfolded:
This demonstration, held in solidarity with worldwide protests calling for democratic reforms and accountability, had remained peaceful until shortly before 6:00 PM local time when an incident took place. According to organizers, this event had been coordinated with local authorities and received official permission for holding.
Emergency services were on scene quickly to offer medical aid to those injured, with London Ambulance Service reporting at least five people were taken to nearby hospitals; two are said to be in serious but stable condition, and numerous others were treated at the scene for minor injuries and shock.
Metropolitan Police have arrested and confirmed that a 32-year-old driver are currently in their custody, although an exact reason has yet to be identified as to why he drove into protesters at this particular protest location. Although their investigations are currently underway, authorities do not rule out any potential motives such as intentional targeting of protests.
“We are actively reviewing all available CCTV footage and eyewitness statements,” stated Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Darren Lloyd at a brief press conference. “Our primary goal is to understand exactly what happened and ensure those responsible face consequences. “
Witnesses reported the driver as appearing “calm and detached,” quickly following the incident. One protester noted: “He never even got out or tried to help anyone; it seemed as if he didn’t care.”
Protesters were quickly dispersed as police secured the area and medics attended to any injured parties. Community leaders and civil rights organizations strongly condemned this incident and have demanded a thorough investigation of what transpired.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan quickly responded to reports of vehicle striking peaceful protesters with its tires by posting on social media: “I am appalled by reports of vehicles driving into peaceful protesters causing injuries, and fully support an investigation into this distressing incident.
As authorities assess whether this incident was deliberate or reckless, protest organizers remain distraught and vow to continue their events, with enhanced security measures at future gatherings.