Authorities have charged a suspect with attempted murder, dangerous driving offenses, and driving under the influence of drugs, following an alarming incident where a car reportedly drove into a crowd during Liverpool’s victory parade.
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According to Merseyside Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, the vehicle that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew responding to a heart attack victim after a temporary roadblock was lifted. Ms. Sims remarked, “It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted to assist a member of the public.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill stated that there are currently 65 confirmed casualties from the incident that occurred on Water Street in the city center yesterday. Of these, around 50 individuals were taken to local hospitals, and all appear to be recovering well.
While addressing the media, Ms. Sims added, “There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place.” A 53-year-old man has been taken into custody for further questioning; he is described as white, British, and from the West Derby area of Liverpool. Among the injured were four children, one of whom sustained serious injuries.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram commented on the situation, stating, “Water Street was not a route where vehicles were authorized; it was supposed to be blocked off. Given there were hundreds of thousands of people present, no vehicle should have been able to pass through.” He emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to complete their investigation, noting, “The questions are legitimate, but we must give the police the time they need.”
About a million fans were gathered to celebrate the Liverpool football team as they paraded with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus. The chaos unfolded approximately 1.6 kilometers from the end of the parade. Eyewitnesses reported that just after the bus passed by, a vehicle surged into the crowd, with footage circulating on social media showing pedestrians scrambling for safety.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four individuals, including a child, were rescued from under the vehicle. North West Ambulance Service representative Dave Kitchin reported at a press conference that 27 people were transported to hospitals and an additional 20 were treated on-site, with four children among the injured. He mentioned that two individuals, one of whom was a child, suffered serious injuries and some patients made their own way to nearby hospitals.
Liverpool FC Chief Executive Billy Hogan expressed gratitude towards supporters who offered assistance during this troubling time. He stated, “We continue to work with the emergency services and local authorities to support their ongoing investigation. We urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Merseyside Police.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, present at the parade, expressed his shock on Instagram, saying, “My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured and affected. You’ll never walk alone.” This note of solidarity was echoed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said, “What began as scenes of joy have turned into utter horror and devastation. My thoughts, and those of the entire nation, are with all affected—including children, their families, and the entire Liverpool community.”
Mr. Starmer emphasized the police’s role in handling the situation, stating, “Details regarding the arrested individual are a matter for law enforcement.” This sentiment was reinforced by former Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, who raised concerns regarding the rapid dissemination of information about the suspect’s race and ethnicity.
Following the incident, Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his “deep sympathies” to the people of Liverpool, particularly to those directly affected. He noted, “For a night that was meant for celebration to end in horror is truly appalling.” Tánaiste Simon Harris shared similar sentiments, believing that what was once a night of jubilation had turned into one of despair.
Assistant Chief Constable Sims reiterated the robust traffic management plan that had been in place for the parade. “In the lead-up to this event, we conducted extensive planning with event organizers, including numerous road closures along the route,” she said. She urged the public to refrain from sharing distressing footage online, although she did welcome any videos that could assist law enforcement.
In closing, both Liverpool FC and local authorities continue to provide support to those affected by this shocking incident, with Liverpool FC reaffirming their commitment to working closely with Merseyside Police during the ongoing investigation.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
