Bobby Dix, from the Pig and Whistle pub on Covent Garden, said around 80 people took shelter inside his venue after a car was driven into dozens of Liverpool fans
20:33, 27 May 2025
The celebration turned into horror
The celebration turned into horror(Image: Bobby Dix)
Bobby Dix, the landlord of the Pig and Whistle pub in Covent Garden, recounted the events of yesterday, when his establishment became a sanctuary for around 80 people during the Liverpool parade crash.
Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, he described how revellers "knocked out of the way" by the car sought refuge inside his venue as chaos unfolded in the city centre amidst celebrations for Liverpool's Premier League title win.
Mr Dix, who has been in charge of the pub since last summer, said: "It was a really joyful day until late. What happened for us was we saw violence kicking off about halfway up Covent Garden. We shuffled the people we had in the little queue inside. It was only after I locked down the pub and got inside that people were saying what they saw."
bobby dix
Mr Dix has been in charge of the Pig and Whistle since last summer(Image: Phil Harris / Daily Mirror)
He continued: "A couple of the people who were in had been knocked out of the way by people who got struck by the vehicle. They were really close to being hit and were saved by other people's misfortune. Other people were there and saw it. It was a horrific scene and they were just glad to be somewhere safe. For me it was just making sure people were warm and dry."
Dix noted the positive atmosphere within the walls of his pub despite what was going on: "The spirit was actually good in the pub because everyone was safe. We were pouring beer and everything was okay. There were probably about 80 people in there, so I was close to capacity. Luckily capacity matched the demand."
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Mr Dix said police had advised him and his staff to keep the door onto Covent Garden shut, leading to a lockdown situation at the venue. He said: "We were on a bit of a lockdown," reports the Liverpool Echo.
tents police
Today police tents were seen at the scene of the car incident on Water Street, Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"They never stopped us from letting people leave but we had to escort them up through the accommodation and through a separate exit. It was probably an hour before people learned a bit more about the incident and were anxious to get out to find what happened to their friends and loved ones who were still out in the street."
In the chaos, at least 65 individuals were injured after being struck by the vehicle, with 50 hospitalised and 11 currently under medical care, all reported by the police to be stable and recovering well.
Merseyside Police yesterday confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old man from West Derby at the scene, on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
bobby dix
Mr Dix's establishment was used as a place of refuge(Image: Phil Harris / Daily Mirror)
During a press briefing this afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims updated the media on the investigation, stating: "It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance on Water Street. After the road block was temporarily lifted so 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 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."
Sims also addressed the nature of the incident: "There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, and as we've previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism."
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The area around Water Street and Dale Street remains under heavy police watch, with several side streets also affected as officers persist in their duties at the scene. A conspicuous blue evidence tent stands on Water Street.
Following the incident last night, the bustling streets that were filled with fans quickly became deserted as police set up an extensive cordon.