Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill have made statements after a car ploughed into Liverpool fans in Water Street following the Liverpool FC parade.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police said, “I would like to thank the many victims and witnesses who have come forward with information to assist our investigation following yesterday’s devastating incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
“Prior to the incident, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Liverpool and the city centre to pay tribute to Liverpool Football Club as they paraded their Premier League trophy.
“The atmosphere was electric, but sadly just after 6pm the joy of the day dissipated quickly after more than 50 people were injured when a car collided with people gathered on Water Streets.
“We had worked extensively with event organisers and key partner agencies in the months ahead of the potential parade, and a robust traffic management plan was put in place, which included a number of local authority road closures throughout the route and the city centre.
“This included Water Street, which was closed to traffic. It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in the incident was able 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, we plan 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 have previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident are ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.
“I have no doubt regarding the impact that this appalling incident has had on those who were injured, their families and friends, and those who witnessed the incident unfolding in front of them.
“It is so heartening to hear that the public has also recognised the human impact on our attended officers, staff and other emergency service colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and I want to personally thank the public for their support of first responders who were on the scene in a matter of seconds.
“Following the incident yesterday, I can confirm on behalf of the National Health Service that we are aware of 50 people who were treated at hospitals across the region. Of those, 11 remain in hospital for ongoing treatment. They are all in a stable condition and I’m pleased to say they appear to be recovering well.
“I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday’s incident within a matter of seconds.
“Following such a shocking event, they immediately ran towards an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous situation in an effort to protect other members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm.
“Merseyside Police continues to work with other emergency services, Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool City Combined Regional Authority, local hospitals and health providers and Liverpool Football Club collectively in response to this incident.
“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.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said, “My thoughts are with all those injured in this awful incident, their families and friends, and everyone who has been affected.
“Like us, many of you will still be coming to terms with what was a harrowing end to a day of celebration.
“I want to reassure the public 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 while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.
“We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment, and our officers and family liaison officers are providing specialist support to a large number of the victims. Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected.
“We will continue to provide that support in the days and weeks to come.
“Due to the number of victims in this case, we have received assistance from neighbouring forces for which we are extremely grateful.
“Our detectives are of course speaking to any witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
“In addition, extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.
“We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there on the day, and I thank them for their co-operation with our investigation.
“I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so.”
Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) details are available here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2.
Anyone with information or footage should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers.
Image: Danny Lawson | PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Why not follow Birkenhead News onFacebook,Bluesky,Twitter, andThreads. You can also send story ideas or letters to the editor tonews@birkenhead.news