Five people have been injured after a car ploughed into a group of people at a nightclub full of students celebrating Freshers’ Week.
The horror hit-and-run outside The Tunnel Club – one of Birmingham’s longest-running nightclubs – has been branded a ‘targeted attack’ by police.
The incident took place at about 3am today, with a group of men being struck by the vehicle that was ‘deliberately’ driven at them before later fleeing the scene.
Hundreds of revellers had gathered at the venue, formerly Subway City, last night for a Fresher’s Week party – marking students opening days at university.
One victim suffered ‘multiple serious injuries’ while four others were treated for ‘potentially serious injuries’ and were also taken to hospital.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent four ambulances, two paramedics officers a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic to the scene.
A service spokeswoman said the first resource arrived in five minutes and added: ‘On arrival, crews found five patients.
‘The first patient, a male pedestrian, was treated by ambulance crews for multiple serious injuries.
‘He was taken to a Major Trauma Centre for further treatment with MERIT travelling on board to continue care en route.
‘Four other men, also pedestrians, were all treated by medics for potentially serious injuries and conveyed to hospital for further treatment.’
Police have now launched an urgent manhunt for the driver of the car.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: ‘We are investigating after a number of people were injured after, it is believed, they were deliberately driven at in Birmingham this morning.
‘We were called to Livery Street shortly after 3am after a report of a disorder involving a group.
‘Officers attended and five people were found injured.
‘One man was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in custody at this time, while we are still actively searching for the driver and the car involved.
‘We are treating this incident as a targeted attack and are stepping up our patrols in the area today for reassurance.
‘We are asking anyone who saw what happened, especially those with photos or video, to get in touch with us via 101 or Live Chat quoting log 315 of 4 October.
‘We remain at the scene this morning while our enquiries continue.’