The man who was falsely accused of driving a car into crowds following Liverpool's title parade on Monday has broken his silence. Peter Cunningham, a father-of-three from Huyton, was inundated with calls and texts from loved ones after his name and photo were incorrectly linked to the incident that resulted in more than 50 people being hospitalized on May 26.
Peter revealed that he wasn't at the parade or in the city centre on Monday when a Ford Galaxy ploughed into crowds on Water Street just after 6pm. It's believed the car managed to slip behind an ambulance to gain access to Water Street, which had been cordoned off for the parade.
It was confirmed that the ambulance had been allowed past a roadblock at the junction of Water Street and Rumford Street to attend to a man suffering a suspected heart attack, and the Galaxy driver followed suit.
Eyewitnesses reported that some pedestrians tried to prevent him from continuing down the closed-off street. The car then accelerated and rammed into those walking along Water Street, causing widespread chaos.
Police quickly announced they had arrested a 53-year-old man from Liverpool, later specifying he was from West Derby and had been officially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
The tragic incident racked up a harrowing toll saw 65 people injured, with 50 receiving treatment at regional health centres. By Tuesday afternoon, 11 were still in hospital wards, with constabulary emphasising their stable recovery trajectories.
Peter Cunningham, 54, from Huyton
Peter Cunningham, 54, from Huyton
In the wake of the arrest, social media swirled with an image implying Peter – a 54 year old local – was the perpetrator held by police. Battling distress and wrongful association, Peter told the Liverpool ECHO on May 28: "I'm stressed out, I don't need it all.
"It's a bad thing that has happened and the police need to do something about it and get his name out there. Other people's names have been shared.
"It's nothing to do with me, I'm in work right now and the man they arrested is in custody. I was getting phone calls off family members and friends saying 'what the hell is going on?'. These YouTubers and people on social media are just sharing it to make money."
Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a car collided with pedestrians during the Premier League winners parade. A man has been detained. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Liverpool.
Police and emergency personnel dealing with the incident (Image: PA)
Targeting the origin of the mix-up, Peter reached out, resulting in the retraction of the errant post. Meanwhile, Merseyside Police are continuing their investigation of the suspect implicated in the Water Street incident.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot issued a statement after missing the LMA Awards on Tuesday. He said: "As you will know, a shocking incident took place in Liverpool, one that left dozens of men, women and children who had attended our parade injured, and as a result I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but it is one that I feel is absolutely right given the seriousness of the situation. I hope that I have your understanding in this regard."