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A large emergency services presence is currently in Liverpool city centre after reports that a people carrier style car collided with several people, Merseyside Police has said.
Police say that a “53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area” has been arrested following the incident.
The incident happened as up to a million fans lined the streets to celebrate Liverpool’s Premier League title.
Merseyside Police has issued a statement that reads: “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.”
Aerial footage shows several ambulances and numerous police officers on Water Street. An air ambulance landed near to the Liver Buildings.
In a further statement, Merseyside Police said, “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.”
On the BBC website, BBC reporter Warren Moran said, “I have seen what appears to be at least three injured people being taken away.”
In a statement, Liverpool FC said, “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.”
A North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) spokesperson said, “NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision.
“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.”
Shortly before 9:30pm, NWAS said that it had “now cleared the scene following the incident”.
A spokesperson for the North West Air Ambulance Charity said, “Our crew is working closely with the other agencies involved, including the Police and North West Ambulance Service.
“Our priority is the well-being of those involved and our thoughts are with those affected by the incident.”
In a statement, the Premier League said, “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Liverpool Riverside MP, Kim Johnson, said, “I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, 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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement, “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling – my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
“I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, “Deeply saddened by the horrific scenes in Liverpool. My heart goes out to all those injured or affected. Thanks to the police and emergency services for their quick response.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
You can also report information via the force website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
or call 101 quoting log 784.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
This live news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
Image: Danny Lawson | PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
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