Several streets in the city centre are cordoned off
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A police forensic tent at the scene on Water Street in Liverpool city centre
A police forensic tent at the scene on Water Street in Liverpool city centre
(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
A huge police scene remains in Liverpool city centre this morning after a car ploughed into a crowd. Emergency services were called to Water Street just after 6pm on Monday, May 26.
Police received reports that a car had hit a number of people following the Liverpool FC victory parade. Following a press conference on Monday night, it was confirmed 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 Water Street.
A 53-year-old man of White British ethnicity was arrested at the scene and police confirmed they believe him to be the driver of the car. The incident is not believed to be terror-related, police have said. When the ECHO arrived at the scene this morning, a huge police presence and cordon remained. The cordon started from the junction of Temple Street and Dale Street and was in place to the bottom of Water Street.
Roads leading to Dale Street such as Eberle Street, Hackins Hey and part of Exchange Flags were also blocked off by police. This was also the situation for roads leading to Water Street.
Police officers at the scene in Water Street
Police officers at the scene in Water Street(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
A huge cordon remained at the top of Castle Street outside the town hall, with several police officers guarding the scene. People travelling to work were told to find alternative routes and officers said it was unclear when the roads would reopen. The Strand remains open for cars and pedestrian.
Due to the closure on Dale Street all Arriva North West and Stagecoach cross-river services are currently terminating at Whitechapel. The journeys will resume journeys at Sir Thomas Street, omitting Cook Street.
A blue tent remained on at the scene on Water Street and an ambulance was surrounded by a white tent, with a smaller tent in the middle. 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.
Police at the scene on Water Street.
Police at the scene on Water Street.(Image: 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.
A police officer at the scene in Water Street
A police officer at the scene in Water Street(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
"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."