A man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after a shocking incident on Christmas Day in London’s West End. The event, which unfolded in the early hours of December 25th, left four pedestrians injured, one critically, after a car collided with them in Shaftesbury Avenue, a major street in the heart of London’s theatre district.
The suspect, 30-year-old Anthony Gilheaney from Harlow, Essex, was arrested by police shortly after the incident and has since been charged with a series of serious offenses. His appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, December 27th, saw him remanded in custody, with a further hearing set for January 24th at the Old Bailey.
The Incident on Shaftesbury Avenue
The disturbing event occurred just after midnight, at approximately 12:45 AM, when the Metropolitan Police received reports of a collision and a car driving erratically on the wrong side of Shaftesbury Avenue. The avenue, known for its vibrant theatre scene, is home to famous venues such as the Sondheim Theatre, where the long-running musical Les Misérables is staged.
According to witnesses, the car, a Mercedes, mounted the pavement and struck four pedestrians, leaving them scattered across the street. Police arrived promptly, and the suspect, later identified as Gilheaney, was taken into custody within minutes. Initial reports indicated that the vehicle had been driving dangerously, crossing onto the wrong side of the road before the collision occurred.
Charges Against the Suspect
Anthony Gilheaney faces multiple serious charges in connection with the attack. In addition to the four counts of attempted murder, he has also been charged with causing serious injury by driving while disqualified, driving dangerously, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
The charges against Gilheaney also include an alleged unsafe driving incident on Fleet Street earlier that same day, as well as the possession of a small knife found on him in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, an adjacent region in central London. It has been confirmed that Gilheaney had been banned from driving before the incident, but he allegedly took to the wheel of the Mercedes and drove carelessly injuring four pedestrians, one of whom is still in critical condition in the hospital. Authorities are continuously gathering evidence as they look into the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Victims and Their Condition
The four pedestrians, who have been identified as Aidan Chapman, Tyrone Itorho, Marcelo Basbus-Garcia, and Miguel Wairich, were all taken to the hospital following the collision. While three of them have been treated for their injuries and are recovering, one of the victims remains in a life-threatening condition.
The incident has shocked the local community, especially given the normally bustling and festive atmosphere of the area on Christmas Day. Eyewitnesses described seeing blood and personal belongings, such as shoes, jackets, and hats, scattered across the pavement in front of a local Caffè Concerto branch.
Forensic officers were seen on the scene, carefully collecting evidence from the area. Police cordoned off parts of Shaftesbury Avenue between the Gielgud Theatre and the Sondheim Theatre as they investigated the attack.
Timeline of Events
The violent incident has left the London community shaken. In the early hours of Christmas Day, the incident was reported to the police, who swiftly responded. Within minutes of the crash, Gilheaney was arrested, and investigations were launched to piece together what led to the attack.
Initial reports suggest the incident may have begun with an altercation outside a nightclub, though the full details are still under investigation. Authorities are working to confirm whether this altercation played a role in the subsequent violent events.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police commented on the speed with which officers apprehended the suspect. He emphasized that the attack appeared to be “isolated” and confirmed that it was “not terror-related.”
In a statement, Cundy added, “Our thoughts are with the victims, one of whom is still in critical condition in the hospital.” Our detectives have been putting in a lot of effort since the event to compile evidence and construct a case.
The Legal Proceedings
Gilheaney’s legal troubles are far from over. After his court appearance on Friday, he was remanded into custody, and his next hearing is scheduled for January 24th, 2024, at the Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court. If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence for the charges brought against him.
As the investigation continues, the public will undoubtedly follow the case closely, with many awaiting further details on the motive behind such a violent attack on Christmas Day in one of London’s most iconic areas.
Community Reactions and Impact
The incident has had a profound impact on both the local community and those who were present in the area at the time. London’s West End, a popular destination for both tourists and locals, was bustling with people enjoying the Christmas festivities when the violent act occurred.
Local businesses, theatergoers, and residents of the area have expressed their shock and concern for the victims. Many have rallied around the injured, with some locals organizing fundraisers to support those affected. The West End, which is home to countless theaters and restaurants, is now left to grapple with the aftermath of a crime that has cast a shadow over the festive season.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four pedestrians were injured in London's West End. One person is in critical condition. The driver was on the wrong side of the road in Shaftesbury Avenue, in Soho.
Police are treating it as an isolated incident. pic.twitter.com/45FPrVJ61t
— Tony (@TonyL_01) December 25, 2024The attempted murder charges against Anthony Gilheaney represent a serious legal matter that will unfold in the coming weeks. The attack on Christmas Day in London’s West End has left the community reeling, as authorities work to understand the full details of the incident. As the case progresses, the victims and their families remain in the thoughts of the public, hoping for recovery and justice in this tragic situation.
