Merseyside Police have confirmed that "a number" of people have been injured and taken to hospital following the major incident that took place shortly after the Liverpool FC title parade. The incident is not being treated as terrorism.
The North West Ambulance Service said 27 people were injured and taken to hospital, four of whom were children. Twenty patients were treated at the scene and did not require hospital treatment. Two, including one child, have sustained serious injuries.
Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Nick Searle, added that on arrival at the scene, four people were trapped under the vehicle. Three adults and one child were removed from beneath it and passed to the ambulance.
Earlier in the day, Merseyside Police had confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old white British man following the incident. The streets were swarming with fans as an open-top bus, carrying the players, journeyed through the city. However, unsettling reports surfaced about someone driving into the crowd.
Merseyside Police released an initial statement saying: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city center. We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Mon 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 detained."
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling. My thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
Police officers investigate the scene of an incident on Water Street.
Police officers investigate the scene of an incident on Water Street. (Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
"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."
Liverpool FC posted a statement on social media: "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."
Everton FC then followed that up with a statement of its own. It posted on social media: "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city."
Police close off Water Street.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also posted on social media after the incident. He outlined his shock as he sent his support to all those affected.
Posting an earlier picture of the Liver Building surrounded in red smoke, he wrote: "Devastating end to the day………just pray everyone is ok." He also posted a fingers crossed and love heart emoji.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson released a statement following the incident. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city center," he said.
"It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day. We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure whose affected get the appropriate support."