A 53-year-old man has been arrested following an incident in Liverpool city centre where a car struck multiple people during the Premier League victory parade. The collision occurred on Water Street just after 18:00, according to Merseyside Police.
What police and emergency services reported
Officers confirmed that the vehicle involved remained at the location and the suspected driver, a white British man from Liverpool, was taken into custody. Authorities stated that the incident is not being treated as related to terrorism.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. The ambulance service said 27 individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, including two people – one of them a child – who sustained serious injuries. An additional 20 individuals were treated for less severe wounds at the scene.
Firefighters reported that four people, including a young child, had to be pulled out from underneath the car.
According to Merseyside Police, the event does not meet the criteria for a terror incident, which would involve an attempt to intimidate the public or influence the government for ideological or political reasons.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage
Footage posted on social platforms shows the vehicle moving through a packed crowd, prompting people to flee in panic. The car appears to accelerate before eventually coming to a stop.
Additional video shows members of the public hitting the vehicle after it stopped, with visible damage to the rear window. Emergency services arrived at the location shortly afterward.
Journalist Matt Cole witnessed the event and described the vehicle pushing through the gathering at a speed he estimated exceeded 20 mph. He mentioned that the driver appeared unwilling to wait and simply forced a way forward, with some individuals trying to block or confront the car.
Another observer, 28-year-old Matthew O’Carroll from Runcorn, saw the vehicle beeping its horn as it advanced at a steady pace through the mass of people near Water Street.
Location and official reactions
The incident took place close to The Strand, not far from where Liverpool FC had been showcasing their Premier League title from an open-top bus. The crash occurred around one mile before the endpoint of the club’s celebration route, which had drawn large crowds.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the event “appalling” and thanked emergency responders for their efforts. He stated on social media that his thoughts are with the injured and their families.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, also commented on the disturbing nature of the images, offering support to those affected.
Liverpool FC released a message saying they are in contact with authorities and extended sympathies to those involved. Everton FC expressed similar sentiments.
Celebrations by the Liverpool FC staff were reportedly postponed in light of the crash. The Premier League issued a statement expressing deep concern and said it had offered support to the club.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, told that the day, which had begun in high spirits, had sadly been marred by the crash. He asked the public to avoid jumping to conclusions while the investigation continues.
