LONDON (AP) — Police in the English city of Derby arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a car struck several pedestrians in the busy city center, sending seven people to hospitals. Counterterrorism officers were assisting local police in the investigation. Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred of the Derbyshire Police Constabulary explained this at a news conference on Sunday. She said this assistance is common practice for this type of incident.

“I would like to clarify that this does not mean the incident is currently being treated as terrorism,” Aldred said. Police are “keeping an open mind” about the motive, she said.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Friar Gate, a popular night spot in central Derby, a city of about 275,000 people northeast of Birmingham.

A 36-year-old-Derby man was arrested a short distance away and remains in police custody, Derbyshire Police said.