Up to one million Liverpool fans had lined streets – including Water Street and the Strand – to watch the team move through the city centre with the Premier League trophy but chaos unfolded
In full: Police statement after Liverpool parade car horror
Dozens of people – including four children – were injured yesterday after a car ploughed into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s recent Premier League title.
With most people enjoying a spring break holiday, up to one million Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus.
The parade began at Allerton Maze south of the city before embarking on a 10-mile route over three-and-a-half hours ending with a finale on the Strand in the city centre. However, chaos erupted on Water Street, about a mile before the parade’s endpoint.
The bus had only recently passed the attendees when a vehicle rammed into the crowds, witnesses reported. Footage of the incident – we have deemed too distressing to publish – appeared to show the car speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street. People were knocked to the floor off the windshield, falling to the ground and darting out of the way to avoid harm.
Liverpool parade crash: Premier League make statement after car ploughs into fans
What happened on Water Street?
Witnesses say the driver was beeping as the car moved at “a decent speed” along Water Street. Mike Maddra said the vehicle mounted the pavement and scores of people dashed to get out of the way.
It then collided with people, coming to a stop when angry onlookers coverged on the motor. Windows were smashed and police intervened. Witnesses told The Guardian the whole ordeal lasted 20-30 seconds, and the first victim was thrown “about 20 feet” in the air.
Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter attending the parade, told the public broadcaster he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then “it suddenly accelerated forwards”, straight towards the surrounding crowd. Police said the car eventually stopped at the scene and the man was detained.
What else have police said?
Merseyside Police confirmed a 53-year-old white British man, from the Liverpool area, was arrested. They said they believe he was the driver of the car.
At a press conference, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the “horrific incident” was not being treated as terrorism. She added: “The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.
“We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle. Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not being treated as terrorism.”
How many people were injured?
Some 47 people were injured, including 27 who were taken to hospital. Of those, four children were hurt, one of whom has suffered serious injuries. Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), also said 20 people were treated at the scene.
“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment. Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance, and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained serious injuries,” Mr Kitchin continued at the press conference.
The nature of those injuries – including the severe ones – have not been disclosed at this stage. It is believed among those with serious injuries are a group of people who were pinned under the vehicle. Firefighters dashed to free the group, which included one child.
What has Liverpool FC and the Premier League said?
The Premier League has confirmed it has been in touch with Liverpool to offer their support. A statement read: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”
And Liverpool have confirmed they remain in contact with Merseyside Police. The Reds said: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
What has Keir Starmer said?
In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling – my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.”
He later added: “Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.
“They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
“The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”
