Locals describe ‘terrifying scenes’ as car ploughs into crowd of celebrating Liverpool supporters
DOZENS of Liverpool FC supporters from Pembrokeshire were in the city on Sunday (May 26) to celebrate the club’s trophy parade — but for many, the day turned from joy to terror when a car drove into crowds of fans on Water Street, leaving several people injured.
Among those caught up in the chaos was former Herald sales manager Gavin Young, from near Crundale, Haverfordwest, who had travelled to Liverpool with his partner Hannah.
Speaking to The Herald from the Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, which overlooks the Liver Building and sits just metres from the crash site, Gavin said: “We were literally ten seconds away from being ploughed over. Hannah saw it all — she was crying her eyes out. It’s disgusting what’s happened.”
What was supposed to be a huge day for football fans in Liverpool has ended in Tragedy
Emergency services including armed police and an air ambulance descended on the scene after a grey people carrier mounted the pavement and drove into celebrating fans at around 6:00pm. The crash happened just as Liverpool FC’s official parade was coming to an end.
Gavin and Hannah (Pic Facebook)
“We were told by hotel staff to stay indoors,” Gavin continued. “There were helicopters overhead and police with guns on the street. Then my phone just started ringing non-stop — friends and family checking in to see if we were safe.”
The couple were in the city with Jo, a close friend of Hannah’s who works at the same school in Haverfordwest, and Jo’s husband Martin. All four are safe but shaken.
“We’re just thankful to be alive,” Gavin said. “We were right there. That street – Water Street – it’s where we were walking. If we had been ten seconds ahead, it could have been us.”
Merseyside Police later confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool had been arrested at the scene. The vehicle came to a stop after the collision, and the driver was detained as members of the public attempted to confront him.
Emergency respond to incident after vehicle ploughs into crowds in Liverpool (Image: LPC)
A spokesperson said: “We were contacted at just after 6:00pm following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained. Extensive enquiries are ongoing.”
A still from a video taken on a phone shows the moment the driver of the vehicle was arrested (Pic: Sky)
Eyewitnesses reported screams and scenes of panic as people tried to flee. Others chased the car, smashing windows and attempting to drag the driver out before police secured the area.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes as “appalling” and urged the public not to share distressing footage online, asking people to support police efforts.
Liverpool FC issued a statement saying: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”
Tens of thousands had gathered across Liverpool to celebrate the team’s Premier League success — with many travelling from Wales. Scores of supporters from Pembrokeshire were in the city, including groups from Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, and Pembroke Dock.
Gavin concluded: “It’s meant to be a celebration – we came here to support the team and have a good time. But this will stay with us for a long time. We’re just glad we made it back to the hotel in time. Our thoughts are with those who didn’t.”