Police believe they have identified the driver of a Ford Focus which was seen to knock a man down in the Bigg Market.
It has emerged the incident unfolded after a reported mass brawl.
Shortly after 9pm on Saturday, police received a report of a fight involving a number of individuals on Groat Market, Newcastle.
Following a disagreement in the street, an offender entered a vehicle and drove it at a man, knocking him to the floor.
The occupants of the car then made off from the scene.
Northumbria Police has identified the victims - and the officer investigating has said he believes they have also identified the person responsible.
The update comes a day after shocking footage of the incident flooded Facebook.
Over two million people have now watched the clip.
The victims, who also left the scene before police arrived, were not seriously injured.
However, the man who was hit by the car has required further treatment in hospital.
Detective Inspector Steve Byrne, of Northumbria Police central CID, said: “This is a very serious incident that has been filmed and shared widely on social media.
“We have been able to identify the victims and thankfully it has not resulted in any serious injuries.
“However, this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We believe we have also identified the person responsible for the assault and are carrying out enquiries to trace him.
“Anyone who saw what happened, or knows those involves, is encouraged to contact police.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1160 270719 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
