The deployment of police snipers in the city center during Monday's title parade was not a response to the car crash horror, but rather due to the scale of the event. Large swathes of Liverpool's city center were put on lockdown as police reacted to a major incident after a car ploughed into dozens of people on Water Street.
A total of 47 individuals were injured, including four children. Two individuals, one of them a child, remain in a serious condition in hospital.
A video showing what seemed to be a police sniper team on the Queensway Tunnel Ventilation Tower has been shared on social media. However, the Liverpool ECHO understands from sources that the decision to station rooftop sniper teams in the city center was "purely planning for a major event".
It is understood that Merseyside Police had an armed presence in the city center due to the size and significance of Liverpool's title-winning parade. This included the Project Servator team, which comprises high-visibility armed officers.
It has emerged that the decision to deploy sniper teams is a standard procedure for events of this magnitude and scale. In the past, armed police have been stationed at city events such as the Labour Party Conference at ACC Liverpool, the Grand National, and even Liverpool's Christmas Markets.
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53 year old white British man from the Liverpool area in connection with the incident. However, it remains unclear what he is suspected of.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims informed a press conference that they believe him to be the driver of the vehicle and are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. She further stated that the force considers it an isolated incident and it is not currently being treated as terrorism.
The parade, which celebrated Liverpool's Premier League title victory, attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators along the 15km bus route eager to see their football heroes. However, the jubilant atmosphere quickly turned to one of shock when a car ploughed into the crowd.
The scene in Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a 53-year-old white British man was arrested when a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade.
The scene in Water Street near the Liver Building (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
An exclusive report by the ECHO this morning suggested that the driver of the car may have been trying to follow an ambulance through the crowds just before the incident occurred.
Merseyside Police are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the events leading up to the incident. Questions have been raised about how a vehicle gained access to a main city centre road that was closed due to the parade.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police stated: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media. I know 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."
Forensics on Water Street
Forensics on Water Street on Tuesday (Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images))
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle of Mersey Fire and Rescue Service added: "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 four 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."
Liverpool's leader of the council, Cllr Liam Robinson, made an appeal: "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."