Four arrests as police launch attempted murder probe into hit-and-run
AN 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a hit-andrun in Newport.
Two women have been left with “potentially life-changing injuries” and another woman and a man were treated in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, after a car hit pedestrians at around 5.30am on Sunday.
Footage filmed at the scene shows the car driving more than once into people, before reversing a considerable distance, speeding up and driving again into a crowd.
Two other men, both aged 19, have also been arrested in connection with the incident and all three men, understood to be from Newport, remained in police custody last night.
A 22-year-old woman, also from Newport, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released under investigation.
The incident happened outside The Courtyard nightclub in Cambrian Road
and police are urging witnesses and anyone who filmed what happened to come forward.
The driver of the car was said to have made off after the incident in the direction of Maindee where the car, a Ford C Max, was later found burnt out on Magor Street.
The two most seriously injured women remain in hospital but two other injured people have both been discharged.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police yesterday stressed there is nothing to indicate the incident was terror related or had links to the Newport marathon.
Gwent Police said that footage of the incident circulating on social media shows people at the scene of the incident who are unknown.
Detective Inspector Rob Jenkins said: “This is a very serious incident where people have been severely injured and remain in hospital.
“Following the footage being circulated we would like to speak to those who are seen to be filming on their phones.
“We’re keen to obtain the footage taken by a man who was wearing a red top with ‘COCO’ and the number five written on the back, another man also appears to be filming on his phone, he has dark hair and is wearing a denim jacket.
“Footage has also been shared from apps such as Snapchat and we’d like to speak to those who have filmed this as they may be able to assist with our inquires.
“If you do have any information or footage including pictures, which could help with our investigation, please could you call 101 quoting log 110 29/4/18.”
Speaking on Sunday, manager of The Courtyard Iftekhar Haris said: “The driver actually went across onto the pavement and hit two girls who were just sat there at the end of the night... and hit them, not only once, but actually reversed back, and I don’t know whether it was intentional or not, but actually went and hit the person a second time.
“It was horrific. It’s something that you don’t want to see on any street.”
A resident told the South Wales Argus he had seen the car burning.
He said: “I was getting ready for work when I heard a large bang from outside.
“I ran out my door and ran towards the car dialling emergency services as it was in flames and I wasn’t sure there was anyone in there.
“I saw a man making off from the scene and went to give chase but the car exploded forcing me back.”