Car ploughs into pedestrians on busy street with several rushed to hospital including one fighting for life as police launch hunt for driver

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 09:37, 9 May 2026 | Updated: 09:55, 9 May 2026 A car has ploughed into pedestrians on a busy street and several people have been rushed to hospital as police launch an urgent search for the driver. One person has been left with life-threatening injuries following the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning.  Police were called after the vehicle, a red Vauxhall Astra, hit multiple people in Market Place, Arnold, in Nottinghamshire, at around 1:12am.  A 'number of people' were reportedly struck by the vehicle, with one currently fighting for their life. Officers from Nottinghamshire Police have launched an urgent search for the driver - believed to be a white man - after he fled the scene, leaving the car behind. Road closures remain in place in Arnold town centre today as police investigate the incident. Market Place and the junctions from Gedling Road to Derby Street, Hallams Lane and Central Avenue are closed off. Local buses are on diversion, with roads expected to be closed until at least the end of the day, and some businesses are also unable to open.  Police were called after the vehicle, a red Vauxhall Astra, hit multiple people in Market Place (pictured), Arnold, in Nottinghamshire, at around 1:12am Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information or footage of the incident to get in touch.  Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'There is no indication at this stage of any ongoing threat to the wider public. 'However, we understand the incident will cause concern in the community. 'Officers will remain at the scene today to carry out further inquiries, speak to local people and offer reassurance. 'It is also important anyone with information, or relevant dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, gets in touch without delay.' The town's MP, Michael Payne, said: 'This morning I have been in close contact with senior officers from Nottinghamshire Police, who have briefed me on a serious incident which occurred in Arnold town centre during the early hours of this morning.' He added: 'I would urge everyone not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while this important police work continues.  'I have sought reassurances from Nottinghamshire Police regarding ongoing community safety in and around Arnold, and I will continue to liaise closely with police colleagues throughout the weekend. 'I know this will be upsetting and worrying news for many of us who call Arnold home. I will endeavour to keep the local community informed and updated as the investigation and police work progresses.' Police can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. This is a breaking news story and is being updated.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.