‘Violent Christmas Day assault’ suspect charged with tried homicide after 4 folks hit

As one of four victims remains in a critical condition receiving treatment in hospital, 30-year-old Anthony Gilheaney has been charged with four counts of attempted murder

Violent Christmas Day car carnage in London’s West End has led to a man being charged with four counts of attempted murder. Four pedestrians were hit and one victim remains in a critical condition in hospital where they’re receiving treatment.

Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has also been charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Scotland Yard said he was remanded into police custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said a suspect was arrested within minutes of the “violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in Central London”.

He added: “Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case and have today charged Anthony Gilheaney with four counts of attempted murder.

“Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of which remains in critical condition in hospital.”

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 0.45am on Wednesday after reports of a collision and a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue in the capital’s theatre district.