Four pedestrians have been taken to hospital, with one fighting for their life, after a car crashed in London in the early hours of Christmas Day following what police have described as "an altercation at a nightclub".

Police were called at 12.45am after reports of a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “Officers responded swiftly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest a man within minutes.

“Detectives are rapidly progressing enquiries as part of this investigation.

"It is believed that the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub before getting into his car and mounting the pavement.

“Several scenes remain cordoned off at the location today.

“This has been confirmed as an isolated incident and is not terrorism-related.”

A police cordon remains today with blood and items of clothing including a jacket, shoes and a hat strewn across the pavement in front of a Caffe Concerto.

The cordon stretches between the Gielgud Theatre, where the musical Oliver is performed, and Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Miserables. Forensic officers are on the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or post @MetCC quoting reference CAD 233 of 25 December.

To remain completely anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.