Forensic officers in Shaftesbury Avenue yesterday. (Image: PA)
A man has been charged with attempted murder after a car struck four pedestrians in London’s West End in the early hours of Christmas Day.
One victim is still seriously ill in hospital after the frightening incident, which happened at 12.45am on Wednesday in Covent Garden, at the heart of theatreland.
Police made an arrest after responding to reports of “a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue.”
Anthony Gilheaney, 30, is accused of four counts of attempted murder and causing serious injury by driving while disqualified.
He is also charged with dangerous driving a motor vehicle and possessing a bladed article in a public place. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
Forensic investigators collect evidence at the scene on Shaftesbury Avenue in central London after f (Image: PA)
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “The suspect was arrested within minutes of his violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in central London.
“Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case and have today charged Anthony Gilheaney with four counts of attempted murder.
“Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of whom remains in critical condition in hospital.”
A police cordon was in place between the Gielgud Theatre, where the musical Oliver! is performed, and the Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Miserables, on Christmas morning as police investigated the incident.
Forensic officers could be seen bagging up items from the pavement outside Caffe Concerto.
The scene in Shaftesbury Avenue in central London yesterday (Image: PA)
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