A 53-year-old man remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving
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Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, speaks with Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green and Steve Rotheram
(Image: Getty Images)
Police have been given more time to question a 53-year-old driver who allegedly drove a car into a crowd at Liverpool FC’s victory parade on Monday (May 26).
He remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving.
Merseyside Police believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted.
There were at least 79 people injured in the incident in Water Street in the city centre.
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals. Seven remain in hospital as of Wednesday afternoon (May 28).
The investigation team have today been granted further time to continue questioning the man, from the West Derby area of Liverpool.
The extension of questioning time will remain in place until tomorrow, Merseyside Police said in a new update at around 2pm.
Water Street has now reopened to vehicles and pedestrians after the police cordon was stood down, said the force.Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: “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.
“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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims previously said: “It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to 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 heart attack.”
She added: “There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place.”
Ms Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, telling reporters that the force planned for “all contingencies” – including road closures and an armed police presence. She also told of how a 'robust' traffic management plan had been in place for the event during a press conference late on Monday night.
Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, including from the King who said: “I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”
Speaking at an awards ceremony on Tuesday night, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the incident “showed the two faces of life”.
“The most beautiful face for a long, long time: the parade was incredible, the mood was incredible and from one second to another everything changed and we learned again there are more serious things in the world than football,” he said.
“Thoughts and prayers go to the injured people and their families as well.
“It should have been one of the greatest days in the history of the city, after a long, long time, because we didn’t have the opportunity to do it last time. I don’t know how and why it happened but we know what happened and that’s very bad.”
On Tuesday, a Liverpool fan described how he “locked eyes” with the driver and “pleaded for him to stop” moments before the car ploughed into him.
Jack Trotter, 22, was enjoying celebrating his team’s success when he found himself “face to face” with the vehicle.
The stricken Northern Irishman was helped by fellow fans and locals into a nearby pub until emergency services arrived to take him to hospital.
Mr Trotter, from Newtownards, County Down, escaped without serious injury and has been discharged from hospital.
“He had slowed down. And then I put my hands up and pleaded for him to stop, and he wasn’t stopping,” he told the PA news agency.
Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) details are available here: Public Portal
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