In the wake of Liverpool FC's trophy celebration parade on Monday, 27 people including four youngsters have been left hospitalised after an appalling car incident. Devastatingly, emergency services revealed two victims – a child amongst them – are grappling with "serious" injuries.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the Bank Holiday Monday incident was not being treated as terrorism and was believed to be an isolated incident following the arrest of a 53-year-old man at the scene. The force said the suspect was the driver of the car, white, British and from the Liverpool area.
The British Prime Minister said he had spoken to the Mayor of Liverpool about the incident, adding: "Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror."
Four people, including a child, were pulled from beneath the vehicle after it drove into the crowd, Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Servicechief fire officer, announced.
North West Ambulance Service’s David Kitchin reported that along with the numerous casualties, one of their own paramedics was hit by the car, but did not sustain serious injuries. He said: "We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment. Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance, and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained serious injuries," reports the Mirror.
Shocking footage has emerged online showing a car accelerating as it ploughed through pedestrians on a packed street, with police quickly swarming the vehicle and bystanders trying to halt the driver, who was later arrested by the authorities.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his horror at the events in Liverpool, stating: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling - my thoughts are with all those injured or affected."
He further commented: "They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
"The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."
The chaos unfolded on Water Street, close to The Strand, during a time when nearly a million supporters had flocked to the streets to see Liverpool players celebrate their Premier League triumph with a victory parade. The shocking incident took place just as the crowd started to disperse after the festivities.
Eyewitnesses were left terrified after witnessing the vehicle hurtling towards a dense crowd of fans at speeds estimated between 20-30 mph.
Isle of Man resident Peter Jones, aged 44, recounted the harrowing event, labelling it as "shocking".
Sharing his experience, he said: "We were walking up Water Street, thousands around us. We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back."
An eyewitness recounted: "He then drove into people, police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road. There were a lot injured. We heard it behind us hit the crowds, then we saw half a dozen people [injured] in the road as we were walking up.
"It was shocking. We're back at our hotel now, in a bit of a shock."
Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish said: "Shocked, horrified and deeply saddened about what happened at the end of the parade today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone and their families who have been impacted by today's tragic event. Our anthem has never felt more appropriate, You'll Never Walk Alone. Your Liverpool family are behind you."
Liverpool had been celebrating their first Premier League title in front of fans since 1990, marking a historic moment after their previous victory during the Covid-hit 2019-20 season when supporters were unable to witness the triumph due to restrictions.
The club released a statement: "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."
Jamie Carragher, the ex-Liverpool defender, took to social media saying: "Devastating end to the day... just pray everyone is."
Former Reds striker Robbie Fowler added: "Heartbreaking news... absolutely sickened with what's happened here in Liverpool."
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