It is believed the car was able to follow the ambulance after a road block was temporarily removed.
15:59, 27 May 2025
An image of a street lined with emergency crews and football fans, with a police officer standing with outstretched arms.
Police have launched an "extensive" investigation into the horror crash.(Image: PA)
The driver who ploughed into huge crowds during Liverpool FC's victory parade last night is believed to have been following an ambulance on its way to treat a person having a heart attack.
Emergency crews raced to the scene in the city's Water Street after several people were left injured as a result of the horror crash.
A total of 50 people were taken to hospital, with 11 still there today, although all are in a stable condition, said Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims during a press conference, the Mirror reports.
A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Chief Constable Sims added: "It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block 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 organisers we planned for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day.
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"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.
"An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online."
Distressing footage shared online shows the horrifying moment the car begins driving into the crowds, striking multiple people before stopping. Up to a million fans had gathered in the city's streets to watch the team's victory parade with the Premier League trophy.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the incident as "appalling", adding: "My thoughts are with all those injured or affected." He later said: "Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.
"They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror. The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."
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A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said in a statement: "We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision."
Police said the crash is being treated as an isolated incident, and they are not searching for anyone else in connection.