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Attempted murder arrest after car collides with pedestrians

BBC Blue and white police tape across a road, someone in a white forensics suit is walking up the roadBBC
The incident occurred outside a licensed premises on Main Street in Millisle

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car collided with a number of pedestrians in County Down.

The incident happened shortly after 23:00 BST on Saturday, outside a licensed premises on Main Street in Millisle.

Police, alongside ambulance services, attended the scene and two people were taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

It was reported that the vehicle involved turned around and drove past the licensed premises again before making off from the scene.

Bill Manwaring Millise road with police tape, there are a number of dark cars parked, and a yellow blue and white police car. Several police officers in neon yellow jackets are visible in the distance. Bill Manwaring
Two people were taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries

The vehicle was located a short time later outside Walkers Lane, Millisle, and a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The man was also arrested on suspicion of a number of driving offences and he remains in custody, police have said.

'As callous as it is shocking'

Det Insp Oonagh Ryan, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said enquiries are at an early stage.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, who witnessed the incident, or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage, to contact detectives," she added.

A road in Millisle with several brown buildings, there is red and white Police do not cross tape across the width of it
Main Street was closed for a while on Sunday but has since reopened

North Down MLA Connie Egan condemned the incident describing it as shocking and reckless.

She said the incident was "incredibly concerning to hear about", and the "lack of regard for the safety of others" shown by whoever is responsible "is as callous as it is shocking".

"We can only be grateful no one was killed," the Alliance assembly member added.

"My thoughts are with those who were injured in the attack."

'Out of the ordinary'

The DUP's Stephen Dunne expressed his alarm at the incident and described it as an "appalling and distressing event for everyone involved".

The North Down MLA added his "thoughts are very much with the injured individuals and their families".

Ards Peninsula councillor Pete Wray described the incident as "very out of the ordinary".

Having been in the town on Saturday evening, he told BBC News there was a parade and music earlier in the day.

"It was a really positive evening for everybody," he said.

"We know there was an altercation late into the evening," he added.

"That altercation resulted in an individual going away from the incident, coming back in a vehicle and then allegedly intentionally trying to drive into a group of people, and then again, twice."

The Ulster Unionist councillor added there are rarely incidents such as this in the area.