BBC reporter Matt Cole grabbed his daughter and "dived out of the way" at the Liverpool Premier League parade after a car injured nearly 50 people.
A 53-year-old white male was arrested at the scene and is believed to be the driver; according to Merseyside Police. The force is not searching for anyone else concerning the crash, and it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
Reports first emerged at around 6 pm UK time that a car had driven through a crowd of people at Water Street in the city center, with football fans and emergency services quick to put an end to the serious incident.
It has now emerged that a BBC reporter, Cole, was at the parade scene with his daughter and had to act quickly to avoid being hit by the car. "Just after 18:00 a car drove down Dale Street towards the Strand. This was about 10 minutes after the bus carrying the Liverpool team had passed by," the BBC reporter said.
"Thousands of people were walking down Dale Street when a commotion broke out and people began screaming as a car drove through the crowd.
"I grabbed my daughter and dived out of the way. The car carried on, as it passed by men gave chase, the rear window was broken.
Liverpool city center is on lockdown after a car collided with fans at the trophy parade
Liverpool city center is on lockdown after a car collided with fans at the trophy parade (Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
"An ambulance trying to make its way through the crowd was forced to stop by the size of the crowd and this formed a barrier in the road which forced the car to stop."
Police are continuing to investigate how a car was able to access a street that had been purposely pedestrianized for Liverpool's Premier League-winning celebrations. Liverpool FC CEO Billy Hogan has issued a message following the incident.
"On behalf of all of us here at Liverpool Football Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all those who've been affected by this appalling incident on Water Street yesterday evening," Hogan said in a statement.
Emergency Services scene on Water Street after Liverpool FC Premier League Champions parade
Emergency Services scene on Water Street after Liverpool FC Premier League Champions parade (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
"This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fan base, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident.
"I'd like to pay tribute to our emergency services and partner agencies – Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue – who dealt with the incident, and now our hospital staff across the city who are dealing with those who are injured, including tragically four children.
"I would also like to thank our supporters who witnessed this event and helped each other where they could. We continue to work with the emergency services and the local authorities to support their ongoing investigation and once again we would ask if anyone has any further information about the incident, please contact Merseyside Police."