A man who died following a serious collision in Ilkeston at the weekend and another man who was arrested in connection with the incident, have been named by Police. A significant emergency response was deployed in the early hours of Saturday morning with reports suggesting that a van had been deliberately driven at pedestrians.
Despte attempts to save him, 26 year old Samuel Wilson - a Sunday league football player for AFC Curzon in Long Eaton - was struck by a van along with two other men on the Market Place just after 2am on Saturday 16th December. Mr. Wilson died at the scene. Samuel’s family have asked for privacy from the media as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
A large Police presence was in place throughout Saturday on the Market Place, but the area reopened later on Saturday evening, but Police patrols are continuing in the area, and officers are encouraging anyone who may have any concerns to speak to them.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
“I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
“Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
Police subsequently named the 27 year old that was arrested on suspicion of murder as Zac Newman, of The Crescent, Stapleford. He has been charged with murder, section 18 wounding with intent and attempted section 18 GBH.
He was remanded and set to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court over the course of Monday 18th December.
Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and do not believe it is terrorism related.
Initial social media reports suggested that, at closing time on the night of the incident, a fight broke out outside the Market Inn after which one of the people involved got into a white van and drove into pedestrians. It has also been reported that an ambulance crew performed CPR on the victim. A number of police vehicles and ambulances attended the scene. Details are yet to be officially confirmed or elaborated upon by Derbyshire Police.
The incident comes just a short time after the local launch of a new campaign by Derbyshire Constabulary to prevent the tragic consequences of violence on a night out.
We'll continue to bring you more on this story as we have it.
Anyone with any information about what happened, including CCTV or dashcam or mobile phone footage, should contact Derbyshire Police quoting reference number 23*771155, on any of the methods below:
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You can submit information and footage directly to the investigation team using a special online portal here.
- Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- X (Twitter)– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- Phone – call 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org