Moment driver is chased by brave bystanders after car ploughs into crowd in Italy leaving 8 injured as woman loses legs

THIS is the dramatic moment heroic bystanders chased a driver through the street after a car ploughed into a crowd leaving eight injured.

The suspect – named locally as Salim El Koudri, 31 – allegedly accelerated into a group of pedestrians while going “at least 100 miles an hour” in Modena, Italy.

Shocking footage of the aftermath showed the suspect leaping out of the damaged car and trying to flee.

Some appeared confused initially – but one heroic bystander jumped in El Koudri’s way and attempted to tackle him.

Others quickly caught on and joined the chase.

At least four brave witnesses pursued the armed man through the streets.

While fleeing the scene, he reportedly tried to stab another victim with a knife.

Harrowing footage of the crash shows a vehicle speeding across a junction before mounting the pavement and smashing into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians.

At least four people are fighting for their lives.

The injured pedestrians were taken to three different hospitals – two were airlifted to Maggiore hospital in Bologna for treatment.

One woman hit by the car has had both of her legs amputated, La Stampa reported.

El Koudri is accused of driving a Citroën C3 at high speed into the crowd.

The suspect was born in the province of Bergamo to a family of Moroccan origin, and has lived all his life in Modena.

According to officials, he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

Cops are now probing his relationships and any potential signs that could have sparked such an attack.

A search of his home did not reveal any evidence of religious radicalisation or contact with terror groups, according to Italian media.

Investigators are said to be focusing on possible mental health problems.

El Koudri was “treated by the mental health centre for schizoid disorders” in 2022, according to Modena Prefect Fabrizia Triolo.

Modena mayor Gian Carlo Mezzetti said there are still major questions surrounding the attack, revealing the driver was born and raised in the province but is of foreign origin.

He said: “It is not known whether he acted under the influence of substances or whether he committed this act deliberately. Fortunately, there were no deaths, but seven people were injured, two of them seriously.

“One woman will likely have to have both legs amputated: she was the person who was crushed against the shop window.

“I have no details on the identity of the man who was driving the car, although some witnesses told me he was of North African origin.

“I want to thank these citizens. The man was also armed with a knife – they showed courage and great civic sense.

“My strong thanks go to them at this dramatic moment.”