A major incident has been declared in Liverpool as emergency services respond to a car ploughing 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 drove into fans who had gathered in Water Street near Liverpool Town Hall today (Monday).
Merseyside Police were alerted just after 6pm today following reports that a car had struck several people on Water Street in the city centre. A significant emergency service presence is at the scene with police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances stationed around the Water Street area.
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An air ambulance has also landed near the Liver Building.
Details are still emerging about the nature and extent of the injuries following the incident, which occurred after hundreds of thousands of ecstatic Liverpool fans lined the city's streets to celebrate the team's league title triumph, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service have both declared major incidents, indicating that special arrangements are being implemented to manage this serious situation.
The city's hospitals are part of this major incident response. A message, seen by the ECHO, sent to NHS staff working for the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group states that a major incident has been declared and instructs staff to refer to their departmental action cards.
NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group has pleaded with the public not to call inquiring about their loved ones following the incident at the Liverpool victory parade, assuring that next of kin will be contacted.
The trust stated: "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."
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram also issued a brief statement after the incident. 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 spokesperson for Merseyside Police reported: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre. "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones."
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 subsequent 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. "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones."
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. "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones."
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."
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