Man charged after ‘car ploughs into people’ in Shaftesbury Avenue on Christmas Day

Police cordon on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, England, on December 25, 2024 (Picture: Seiya Tanase/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

A man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after a car ploughed into pedestrians on Christmas morning.

Police were called just before 1am on December 25 after the driver was seen driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue, central London.

Four pedestrians have been taken to hospital with one remaining in a critical condition, Metropolitan Police has said.

Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has been charged with four counts of attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possession of a bladed article in a public place. 

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.

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Forensic investigators collect evidence at the scene on Shaftesbury Avenue (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

‘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 which remains in critical condition in hospital.’

A cordon was in place throughout Christmas Day, with blood and items of clothing including a jacket, shoes and a hat strewn across the pavement in front of a Caffe Concerto.

It stretched between the Gielgud Theatre, where the musical Oliver is performed, and Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Miserables.

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