Driver charged with attempted murder after ‘violent attack’ on Christmas day

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

Anthony Gilheaney was allegedly behind the wheel of a Mercedes which mounted the pavement in Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, and hit four people at around 12.45 am.

All four pedestrians were taken to hospital. One victim remains in critical condition, police said.

The 30-year-old 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 knife in a public place. 

He was remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court later today.

It’s alleged that Gilheaney was involved in an altercation at a nightclub before getting in his car and mounting the pavement. 

Police are treating it as an isolated incident and have said it is not terrorism related.

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. 

“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.”

(Pictured top: The Met)