Liverpool driver 'followed ambulance going to treat person having heart attack'
A car ploughed into a huge crowd of Liverpool supporters who were celebrating their side's Premier League win in a city centre parade on Monday evening - leaving more than 50 people injured
The driver who ploughed into crowds in central Liverpool last night is believed to have followed an ambulance going to treat a person having a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted.
Fire crews and ambulances raced to the scene after the vehicle ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade on Monday evening. A total of 50 people were treated at hospital, with 11 remaining there today. All are in a stable condition, said Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims in a press conference this afternoon.
A 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
The crash left 50 people injured (
Image:
Pixel8000)
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.
"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."
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims revealed 11 people remain in hospital (
Image:
Sky News)
Horrifying footage circulating online captured the moment a car began driving erratically through crowds on Water Street and hitting multiple people before coming to a halt. Up to 1 million Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson 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 event is being treated as an isolated incident, and they are not searching for anyone else in connection with the crash.
A 53-year-old British man has been arrested (
Image:
AP)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the scene 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."