Horrific footage circulated widely on social media captures a motorist seemingly driving at pedestrians on Deansgate in Manchester city centre during the early hours of Sunday, December 14. The incident, which occurred around 5am, involved a grey BMW estate being driven erratically through an area busy with revellers enjoying festive nights out. The alarming scenes prompted screams from onlookers as the vehicle appeared to target people in the street.

Initial footage, shared on Instagram by user @madd_manneh, shows the car driving on the wrong side of the one-way Deansgate. During this period, one person was seen falling over nearby. The BMW then reportedly turned around, accelerating through the junction with Bridge Street and running a red light. Following this, fighting erupted amongst a group in the street, with the vehicle then observed veering towards the pavement and crashing into a barrier set up for roadworks.

Several men were seen attempting to open the car door before the vehicle sped off. It subsequently traveled to the junction with Bridge Street, reversed back, and then returned to Deansgate, once again driving on the wrong side of the road. Throughout the chaos, terrified onlookers could be heard exclaiming, “he's going to kill someone” and “stand out of the way,” as others repeatedly tried to dodge the oncoming car.

A 25-year-old man was treated in hospital following the incident, having sustained injuries consistent with being hit by a car. His injuries were confirmed as not life-threatening. City centre spokesperson Pat Karney condemned the “Scandalous Behaviour on Deansgate,” attributing it to “hooligans letting Manchester down.” He stated his intention to meet with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) regarding the incident, adding on X that “GMP are on the case.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called to reports of a disturbance on South King Street, just off Deansgate, at approximately 5am. Emergency services promptly attended the scene. As of the reports, no arrests had been made in connection with the incident. The police have issued an appeal for anyone with information or additional footage to contact Longsight CID on 0161 856 4259, quoting log 707 of 14/12/25.