Police have been granted additional time to interrogate a 53 year-old motorist who is suspected of crashing into a crowd at Liverpool FC's victory parade on Monday.
The incident, resulted in injuries to at least 79 individuals, with seven still hospitalised today, according to Merseyside Police. The man, hailing from the West Derby area of Liverpool, was apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit due to drugs.
He remains in police custody, with authorities given more time for questioning. In a statement released on Wednesday, Merseyside Police confirmed: "We can confirm that seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition following the incident on Water Street on Monday May 26.
"As part of the ongoing investigation, we have also been able to identify more people who were injured, with 79 in total who we are now speaking with. A 53-year-old man from West Derby, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs, remains in police custody.
"The investigation team have today been granted further time to continue questioning him in police custody, which will remain in place until tomorrow [Thursday]," reports the Mirror.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson stated that officers are currently examining CCTV footage to trace the movements of the Ford Galaxy prior to the incident.
A forensics officer takes pictures of evidence near the scene. (Image: AP)
Police officers at the scene of aftermath on Water Street in Liverpool. (Image: SWNS)
She stated: "I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident. We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing enquiries we are identifying more people who were injured.
"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 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."
DS Wilson added: "I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so. 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."
By Wednesday, Water Street had been reopened to traffic after police tents were taken down from the scene. Street cleaning teams worked through the night to clear the road, which had been strewn with bottles, cans and football scarves and flags.
A lone Liverpool flag was removed from atop a set of traffic lights by a worker donning hi-vis. A mobile police station remained stationed on Castle Street, near the scene, and officers could be seen patrolling the area.
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