Man charged after car driven into people on Christmas Day

A man has appeared in court charged with four counts of attempted murder after pedestrians were hit by a car in London’s West End on Christmas Day.

The car was travelling on the wrong side of the road in Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho – in the capital’s theatre district – when it hit four people at 00:45 GMT on Wednesday. One person remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Anthony Gilheaney, 30, of Harlow, Essex, has also been charged with causing serious injury by driving while disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 January.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said a suspect had been arrested within minutes of the “violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in Central London”.

“Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of which remains in critical condition in hospital.”