Emergency services are putting special arrangements in place to deal with today's shocking incident
News
21:32, 26 May 2025
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street(Image: AFP)
A major incident has been declared as authorities in Liverpool respond to a car being driven into crowds at the Liverpool FC Premier League victory parade.
The ECHO understands that both Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service have declared major incidents after a vehicle ploughed into fans who had gathered in Water Street close to Liverpool Town Hall today (Monday).
Merseyside Police were contacted just after 6pm today after receiving reports that a car had hit a number of people on Water Street in the city centre. A large emergency service presence is at the scene with police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances stationed around the Water Street area. An air ambulance has also landed near the Liver Building.
Information is still not known about the nature and scale of the injuries following the incident, which came after hundreds of thousands of jubilant Liverpool fans lined the streets of the city to celebrate the team's league title triumph.
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street
Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service have both declared major incidents, which means that special arrangements are brought in to deal with a serious or significant situation.
The city's hospitals form part of this major incident response. A message, seen by the ECHO, sent to NHS staff working for the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group explains that a major incident has been declared and asks for staff to refer to their departmental action cards.
NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the Liverpool victory parade incident because next of kin would be contacted.
In a statement the trust said: “Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones.“Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard.”
Following today's incident, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram released a short statement. He said: "“Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action.
"This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”
Earlier, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street
Emergency services on the scene in Water Street
"We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday May 26, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street."
In a later update, the force added: "We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
"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."