Further details revealed after car was driven into crowds at parade event in city centre
Emergency services in Water Street today
Emergency services in Water Street today(Image: PA)
Four children were injured - one seriously - after a car ploughed into crowds at today's Liverpool FC Premier League parade in the city centre.
A press conference was held this evening following the incident, which occurred just after 6pm in Water Street. A 53-year-old man of White British ethnicity was arrested at the scene. Police have confirmed they believe him to be the driver of the car.
At the press conference it was confirmed that a total of 27 people were treated in hospital after the incident, with 20 others involving minor injuries. A total of four children were injured, including one seriously. North West Ambulance Service said two of those injured, including one of the children, sustained serious injuries.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said that four people were trapped under the car when they arrived on the scene in Water Street.
Hundreds of thousands of people had flooded into Liverpool city centre to watch their footballing heroes celebrate their Premier League triumph. The Reds players had been on a 15km bus tour of the city which finished with spectacular scenes on The Strand in the city centre.
But those scenes of joy turned to horror just after 6pm when a car ploughed into pedestrians on Water Street, close to Liverpool Town Hall. Merseyside Police said it responded to reports that a car had hit a number of people.
A large emergency service presence remains at the scene this evening with police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances stationed around the Water Street area. An air ambulance has also landed near the Liver Building.
Speaking at the press conference held at Liverpool's Cunard Building. Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said: "Just after 6pm today we received reports that a car had been in a collision with a number of pedestrians in Water Street in the city centre.
"A number of people were injured and taken to hospital. The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle." ACC Sims said the force are still trying to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the collision, but that the incident was not being treated as terror-related.
Press conference at the Cunard Building after the Water Street incident
Press conference at the Cunard Building after the Water Street incident (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
David Kitchin, head of service at the North West Ambulance Service told the press conference that paramedics were very quickly at the scene and were assisted by teams from St John Ambulance.
He said he was 'horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances." He said that a total of 27 people were treated in hospitals including the Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Aintree and Arrowe Park - with 20 others treated for minor injuries at the scene. Two of those taken to hospital sustained what Mr Kitchin described as serious injuries, with one of these being a child.
Also speaking at the press conference, Liverpool council leader Cllr Liam Robinson said: "I'd like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.
"It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to help those who were hurt and to our NHS staff treating them in hospital.
"We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.
"I would appeal for people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media - please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to help them with their investigation.
"We won't be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.
"Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times. I've no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks."