Merseyside Police have confirmed that the driver involved in the incident during Liverpool's Premier League title parade, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and driving while under the influence of drugs.
A 53-year-old man was arrested on Monday following the incident on Water Street, when a car ploughed into spectators who had been in the city center. Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan branded the incident 'appalling' as he thanked fans and the emergency services for their support.
It has been confirmed that 65 people were injured as the vehicle struck the crowd with 50, including at least two children, taken to hospital. A press conference on Tuesday stated that 11 of those remain in hospital but are all in a stable condition and recovering well.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: "My thoughts are with all those injured in this awful incident, their families, friends and anyone who has been affected. Many of you will still be coming to terms with what was a harrowing end to a day of celebration.
"I want to assure the people of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident, and bring the person responsible to justice.
"We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed."
Police believe the driver of the vehicle was able to tailgate an ambulance, which was attending a person having a suspected heart attack, through the city streets.
An initial press conference was held on Monday night (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
It is stated that access to Water Street was initially blocked but then temporarily lifted, so the ambulance crew could attend to the individual.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "We'd worked extensively with event organizers and key partner agencies in the months ahead of the potential parade and robust traffic management plan was in place, which included a number of local authority road closures throughout the route and the city center.
"This included Walter Street, which was closed traffic. It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Walter Street. After the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.
"As with many large events, with event organizers we plan for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed police presence was also in place throughout the day.
Police at the scene on Water Street after dozens of people were injured in a crash
Police at the scene on Water Street after dozens of people were injured in a crash (Image: Andrew Teebay)
"There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, and as we previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism."
Earlier on Tuesday, Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk expressed his sadness at the incident in a post on social media. He wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. We are all with you."
His comments were echoed by departing defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also sent his support. The Reds star posted: "My thoughts are with the whole city, especially all affected by yesterday's devastating events. Hopefully those who were injured will make a full recovery. And the city will continue to pull together as it always does."