Man fighting for life in hospital after Audi driver ploughs into crowd of pedestrians

Police arrest 49-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after six pedestrians knocked down

Bradford Road in Cleckheaton, where collision took place (Lee McLean / SWNS)

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an Audi car ploughed into a group of six pedestrians in the early hours of Sunday morning.

One man suffered life threatening injuries and five others were taken to hospital for injuries after they were knocked down by the vehicle at a junction in Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Police said they believed an “altercation” between the driver of the Red Audi and some of those injured took place earlier in the evening.

Officers were called to reports of six people injured after being struck by car on Bradford Road, at the junction with Balme Road, shortly after 12.30am.

A man in his 40s is suffering from life threatening injuries, while two men sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital. Three other men sustained minor injuries and have since been allowed to go home.

A 49-year-old man remains in custody after his arrest on suspicion of attempted murder.

Officers are appealing for anyone who has any information or anyone who has dashcam footage of the incident or of the vehicle driving in the area prior to the incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Twiggs, of Protective Services Crime, said: “This is clearly a very serious incident and one which has caused understandable concern in the community.”​

She said officers had been conducting enquiries throughout the night and had spoken to several witnesses.

“I would appeal for anyone who has information and has yet to speak to officers to please get in touch,” added DCS Twiggs. “I would also appeal for anyone who has any dashcam footage of the incident to contact our officers.

“I would also ask for anyone who has CCTV in the local area which may have captured the incident or the red Audi driving in the area to contact officers as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13190652982. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.