Following the dreadful incident in Liverpool's city centre last night, social media has been flooded with queries about the driver's identity and the circumstances surrounding the event.
Merseyside Police has swiftly confirmed that the suspect, believed to be the driver of a car that ploughed into dozens of people in the city centre following Liverpool's title-winning parade, is a 53 year old white British man from the local area. Virgil van Dijk has sent an emotional message to fans, while the Liverpool mayor issued an update on those taken to hospital.
Steven Gerrard said he was 'sickened' by the scenes, as fans struggle to wrap their heads around what really happened. It's worth baring in mind, however, that as no charges have been filed in connection with the incident, the police are not disclosing the arrested man's name. The press are also prohibited from identifying him.
In a significant 2022 Supreme Court ruling, it was determined that an individual under criminal investigation has a reasonable expectation of privacy and should not be named by the media until charges are brought.
Once someone is charged, the police typically release their name, street address and age, as these details form part of their legal identity and prevent individuals with the same name from being mistakenly identified as the suspect.
The incident occurred around 6pm GMT on Monday, May 26, when the city centre streets were teeming with hundreds of thousands of Reds' fans. The Reds players had embarked on a 15km bus tour of the city, culminating in spectacular scenes on The Strand in the city centre.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Crime Scene Investigators at the scene of the Liverpool FC parade incident on Water Street on May 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. Investigation and cleanup continued this morning after a car ploughed into a crowd gathered yesterday for the Liverpool F.C. victory parade, injuring nearly 50 people, including four children. Authorities said the suspect was arrested and they are not treating it as an act of terrorism. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Crime scene investigators were on the streets early on Tuesday morning
Monday night's press conference revealed that the incident resulted in 47 people sustaining injuries, 27 of whom required hospitalisation. Amongst the injured were four children, with two individuals, one being a child, suffering serious injuries.
Restaurant Riva Blu became an impromptu emergency centre, as paramedics were seen attending to casualties inside.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims remarked: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media. I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.
"What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.
"We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team."
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle of Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also commented: "Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 6.07pm, 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 people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle. Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our ambulance colleagues.
"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."
Police officers stand guard by the Liverpool Town Hall following an incident in Water Street (rear), on the sidelines of an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool's Premier League title win, in Liverpool, north-west England on May 26, 2025. A car collided with a number of pedestrians in Liverpool, northern England, on May 26 evening during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade, police said. Police said they were contacted shortly after 6pm (1700 GMT) 'following reports of a collision between a car and a number of pedestrians' in the city centre. One man has been arrested, according to the police, who did not say whether there were any casualties. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Police arrested a 53-year-old man at the scene
Liverpool council leader Cllr Liam Robinson stated: "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."