What was meant to be a day of jubilation for Liverpool FC and its fans ended in a severe episode, as a car ploughed into a crowd in the city centre following the Premier League trophy parade.
Merseyside's emergency response teams are currently on Water Street where a vehicle collided into bystanders post-parade celebrations.
After receiving news of the troubling event post 6pm, the Liverpool ECHO promptly contacted Merseyside Police, who have since confirmed the arrest of an individual.
Read more: Police confirm age, gender and ethnicity of man arrested after Liverpool parade car crash
Read more: Updates as car driven into people after Liverpool parade
A police spokesperson disclosed: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 26 May, 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. Emergency services are currently on the scene. We will issue more updates as we have them.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
Later on, Merseyside Police delivered further details and appealed to the public to steer clear of unfounded conjectures online, asserting: "We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre."
In their latest communication, authorities confirmed the arrest of a local 53 year old man and are rigorously investigating the matter: "We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
"We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Liverpool FC has also issued a statement, expressing their "thoughts and prayers" for those impacted by the incident. The club stated: "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."
The Liverpool ECHO dispatched reporters to the scene as eyewitnesses recount the horrifying moment. An anonymous staff member at Riva Blu, an Italian eatery on Dale Street, shared: "So there was just like, a black car just drove straight through the crowd.
"I was just stood there in shock and people were running in so there was no way to get out. I seemed to be the only person that saw it, at least out of the staff, and people didn't seem to know what was going on for a good bit until loads of police arrived and I thought maybe the road was open and, you know, I didn't actually see people get hurt until after I saw people on the floor.
"It was quite scary. We've just been like giving them water. we've had to like, obviously cordon off the restaurant and yeah, I just had try to help people."
The North West Ambulance Service has shared an update regarding their involvement in responding to an incident in the city centre. They disclosed: "NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision."
Their statement further outlined their ongoing efforts: "We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given his perspective on the troubling events unfolding, commenting: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling - my thoughts are with all those injured or affected" and has noted that he's "being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate".
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