Police have announced a "number of people", including four children have been injured today (March 26) after a car ploughed through crowds of people in Water Street, Liverpool.
Speaking at a news conference, Merseyside Police's Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "A number of people have been injured and taken to hospital," before adding the incident "was not being treated as terrorism". The police chief added four children were injured, with 27 people taken to hospital.
Nick Searle, Chief Fire Officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service started by saying his "thoughts are with everyone affected" by the incident. "On arrival, our crews were met with numerous injured people, including four persons trapped under a vehicle".
Merseyside Police's Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims
Merseyside Police's Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the incident was 'not being treated as terrorism' (Image: Sky News)
In the same press conference, Councillor Liam Robinson said: "I would appeal to people please do not share the horrifying footage on social media" before urging people to come forward to the police if they have further information.
Earlier today a vehicle was seen ploughing through a crowd of Liverpool supporters celebrating the team's victory parade. Multiple social media reports described the incident, with footage capturing a black car driving into a group of people on Water Street, Liverpool.
ambulance
Ambulance teams were quick to the scene on Water Street, Liverpool (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old white British male suspect from the Liverpool area, stating: “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."
Police officers cover with an inflatable tent, behind a firefighter vehicle,
Police officers cover with an inflatable tent, behind a firefighter vehicle (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea Yuen, an eyewitness, recounted the scene to Sky News: "We were literally like sardines walking up the street, and then we heard beeping and screaming and when we looked up, there was a black, people carrier, driving straight towards us. Me and my friend Francesca jumped out the way and pulled her little girl out the way."
Videos on X depict officers surrounding the car as angry fans, reportedly Liverpool supporters, are held back. Emergency services, including the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), are responding to a horrifying collision in Liverpool city centre.
At least one individual, wearing red shoes and covered with a white blanket, was spotted being stretchered away by paramedics, their condition currently unknown.
Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a car collided with pedestrians during the Premier League winners parade. A man has been detained. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Shocked crowd members were seen in the aftermath (Image: PA)
The NWAS spokesperson disclosed: "NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision."
They added, "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."
The day had started with a near-ten mile bus ride journey by the Liverpool football team, with reportedly nearly a million fans of the football club flocking to the city to celebrate their team's victory.
Liverpool FC have put out a statement saying: "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."