Taxi Driver Arrested for 'Dangerous Driving' when Black Cab Slammed into Pedestrians in London's West End

A taxi driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after four people were injured when a black cab mounted the pavement and slammed into pedestrians in a horror crash in London's West End. 

The 51-year-old man was arrested after being stopped at the scene of the crash in Covent Garden just after 5pm yesterday evening. He remains in custody.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that three people have been taken to hospital as a result of the crash, with one man in a serious condition. A fourth victim was treated at the scene.

A shocking picture taken just after the collision showed the mangled cab after it came to a halt by crashing into a lamppost near building works.

The incident took place just a few yards from the Jubilee Market Hall.

The Transport for London authority closed several roads as a result of the 'serious collision.'

The Covent Garden area - full of shops, restaurants and a busy market - is one of London's most popular tourist spots.

Scotland Yard said the incident on Southampton Street, Covent Garden, is not thought to be terrorist related.

A Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called shortly after 17:00hrs on Wednesday, 1 November to reports of a black cab in collision with pedestrians on Southampton Street, WC2. 

'Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene. Three people were taken to London hospitals. 

'One man remains in a serious condition; his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A fourth pedestrian was treated at the scene. 

'The 51-year-old driver of the taxi stopped at the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody. 

'Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have filmed it on their mobile phones.'