Large parts of Liverpool's city centre were locked down
News
Streets cordoned off in Liverpool city centre have reopened following the horrific crash which followed Liverpool FC's parade. Large parts of Liverpool's city centre were locked down on Monday (May 26) as police responded to a major incident after a car was driven into dozens of people on Water Street.
New details emerged following a press conference at Merseyside Police's headquarters on Tuesday night. Police chiefs confirmed the news, broken earlier in the day by the Liverpool ECHO, that it was believed the car involved - a Ford Galaxy - had managed to tailgate behind an ambulance in order to make its way on to Water Street, which had been closed to traffic for the parade event.
It was confirmed that the ambulance had been allowed past a road block at the junction of Water Street and Rumford Street to attend to a man suffering a suspected heart attack when the Galaxy driver followed in behind. In total there were 65 casualties, with 50 people treated at hospitals across the region. 11 of those remained in hospital as of Tuesday afternoon, with police confirming they are all in a stable condition and appear to be recovering well.
A 53-year-old man from West Derby was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Water Street, Dale Street and other roads leading to and from the main thoroughfares were cordoned off while detectives and forensic officers carried out enquiries.
Dale Street reopens after Liverpool parade crash
Dale Street reopens after Liverpool parade crash
On Tuesday night, street cleaners were pictured clearing up rubbish and debris following the victory parade and Monday's incident. When the ECHO arrived at the scene on Wednesday, Water Street and Dale Street were once again open to both cars and pedestrians.
The forensic tents and an ambulance, which was part of enquiries, have also been removed from Water Street. Reminders of the horrific incident remained in the area with parts of the cordon still tied to lampposts.
Cards with "sending a hug" messages and flowers were also left at the bottom of Water Street. Political and community leaders have continued to respond to the Water Street incident.
Reminders of the Water Street scene remain
Reminders of the Water Street scene remain
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram praised the work of the emergency services and others who went out of their way to help amid chaotic scenes in the city centre on Monday evening.
He said: “The emergency services were outstanding, fantastic. The way in which the police were so quickly on the scene and the ambulance service kicked into gear was brilliant.
“We saw how the plan for the whole event and the contingencies within that, from something that is called Gold Command, kicked in - I think it was exemplary.”
Police at the scene on Water Street
Police at the scene on Water Street(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
He added: “The issue we have when an incident like this happens is that one of the ways we secure the wider area is to close down the public transport system and we had to do that. That meant people in their hundreds and thousands were waiting for many hours to get transport.
“But it also meant that the people driving those trains and those buses and those running those transport services also had to work long and late and they did that voluntarily. People came in on their day off to do that. I would like to thank all of those staff for stepping forward. They were absolutely superb.”
Cards and flowers are among tributes placed near the scene on Water Street
Cards and flowers are among tributes placed near the scene on Water Street
Mayor Rotheram also praised the people of Liverpool for their desire to help out. He added: “We saw the true spirit of the people of this city. Unfortunately we are no strangers to instances that cause concern here. There is a special solidarity in this place and has been forged over many decades where things have pulled people together.”
The new Archbishop of Liverpool John Sherrington has only just taken up his post and used his Mass of Installation in his new archdiocese yesterday to offer prayers for all those injured in the incident.
He said: “We pray for all those who have been injured and those working to save life in hospitals.”