Natural History Museum crash: Man, 47, released by police after 11 injured in crash

Police outside the Natural History Museum in South Kensington

@damohack

Tom Powell8 October 2017

A 47-year-old man has been released under investigation after 11 people were injured in a car crash outside the Natural History Museum.

A black Toyota Prius mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians at about 2.20pm on Saturday, sparking fears of a possible terror attack.

But Scotland Yard later confirmed the crash on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, was "not being treated as a terror-related incident".

A man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and taken to a north London police station.

In an update on Sunday, police said he has now been released under investigation.

Police and forensic officers gather in the road near the Natural History Museum

REUTERS

A Met Police spokesperson said: “A 47-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken to a north London police station.

“This morning (Sunday, 8 October), he was released under investigation while enquiries continue.”

It comes as police continue to appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Damage to the front of a black car at the scene of the crash in South Kensington

Stefano Sutter

They specifically urged tourists who were in London’s busy museum district at the time to hand over any pictures or video they may taken.

Those hurt were mostly suffering from head or leg injuries, the London Ambulance Service said. The majority of the injured have now been discharged from hospital and there are no serious injuries.

DC Darren Case from the Roads and Transport Policing Command said: "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 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.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Merton Traffic Garage on 020 8543 5157. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.