Following the serious incident on Friar Gate on Saturday 28 March, the Council is working closely with Derbyshire Constabulary and multi-agency partners to reassure the community and provide comprehensive support for those affected.  

An arrest was made on Saturday evening and Derbyshire Constabulary have confirmed they are treating this as an isolated incident with no ongoing risk to residents.  The Council recognises the significant impact this has had on our communities, and we are continuing to work closely with the Police and key partners. There are currently increased patrols in the city centre to offer further reassurance, to communities through our Public Protection Officers (PPOs) and neighbourhood officers.

Yesterday afternoon, the Council held a multi-agency Recovery Coordination group meeting to support with the initial stages of recovery and to join up key partners and agencies, we will share further updates as and when we are able to. At this stage, there is a lot of online speculation on social media and we would like to remind residents to avoid sharing any misinformation online.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

We’re shocked and horrified that an act like this has happened in our city centre. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured, their families and everyone who witnessed this distressing event.

In these moments our city stepped up, and business owners, staff and residents acted heroically to support our emergency services in the immediate aftermath of the incident. I’d like to thank the emergency services for their swift response on Saturday evening and for helping to keep the city centre safe.

Maintaining a united front is crucial at a time like this, and we ask that residents continue to support us and our colleagues in the Police to care for those who live, work and study in our city. Our No Place for Hate campaign sends a clear and united message that there is no room for hate, abuse and harassment within Derby. Despite the awful circumstances, I am confident that we can once again come together to support our residents and communities.

The recent incident was an isolated occurrence, and we remain fully committed to ensuring our residents and visitors feel safe and welcome in a city centre that is very much open for business.

Inspector Rachel Fowkes, who leads on policing in the city centre, said:

We are working in close partnership with the city council to ensure that dedicated patrols are carried out in the city centre, to offer reassurance to members of the public as they visit the city.

As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend this presence, which will include police officers and Council Public Protection Officers, will be bolstered.

Anyone with concerns or information about the incident in Friar Gate on Saturday evening is urged to speak with them.

If you have been affected by this incident, there is support available. Please visit:

  • Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Services: A freephone service available to young people and adults living in Derbyshire, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 028 0077 or dial 111 and select option 2.
  • Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing: A signposting website containing local and national links and resources.
  • The British Red Cross (BRC) National Support Line: A free, confidential service offering emotional support, practical advice, and help with accessing local services for people aged 18+. Call 0808 196 3651 (open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-8pm)

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation should contact them using the online contact form, the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page, or by calling 101, quoting incident 1131 of 28 March. You can also anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.