Emergency services and bystanders have been commended for their valiant efforts following a car's collision into a crowd during Liverpool's victory parade. The incident, which occurred around 6pm on Monday evening, resulted in 27 individuals, including four children, being rushed to hospital. Firefighters had to extricate several people trapped beneath the vehicle.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims expressed her gratitude at a press conference to those who assisted the injured after a car careered into pedestrians in Liverpool city centre.
Describing it as a "horrific incident", she addressed the press conference on Monday night: "I want to thank all of the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening's shocking incident, which we declared a major incident."
"This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club's victory parade.
"A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.
"In addition, a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene, but did not require hospital treatment."
Firefighters heroically saved four individuals, including a child, from beneath a car that struck pedestrians during the Liverpool Football Club victory parade in the city centre, according to Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer.
During a press briefing, he revealed that his team was called to the scene at 6.07am on Monday, stating: "We immediately mobilised three fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in four minutes.
"On arrival, the crews were met with numerous injured... and four persons trapped under a vehicle."
Searle detailed the swift response: "Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed three adults and one child from beneath and passed them to our ambulance service colleagues."
He continued, explaining how they collaborated with other emergency services: "We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible.
"My fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks."
In connection with the incident, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been apprehended, with Merseyside Police suspecting him to be the driver of the vehicle.
The police have stated that they consider this to be an isolated incident and have confirmed that it is not being treated as an act of terrorism.