Andrew Lawrence Credit: Andrew Lawrence/X
A comedian has had his gig cancelled after making a "horrific" joke about the Liverpool FC parade where a car ploughed into crowds of people injuring almost 80.
Andrew Lawrence took to social media platform X posting that if he was in Liverpool, he would "drive through crowds of people to get... out of there as well".
The incident on Water Street resulted in 79 casualties, including children, following Liverpool FC's Premier League open-top bus parade through the city on Monday 26 May.
A 53-year-old white British man from West Derby has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
65 people were injured after the crash on Water Street.
Mr Lawrence's post received a backlash on social media, with Garston-born actor Barry Sloane said: "You absolute disgrace."
Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance CIC said: "A comedian really? You're an embarrassment to the profession."
The post has led to a forthcoming gig at a comedy club, run by a crazy golf course in Essex, to be cancelled after a number of people reportedly contacted the venue to complain about the comment.
Just before 7am Caddies Southend said on X: "The event organisers who had hired our Comedy Club for the Andrew Lawrence night, have cancelled the event.
"We do not condone or support the comment that has been made online, and we send everyone impacted by the tragic events in Liverpool our support and prayers."
Mr Lawrence, who was runner up in 2003's So You Think You're Funny competition, then responded claiming the venue had failed to show "courage".
He posted: "This venue lost their courage after being bombarded with abuse and threats of violence from online trolls.
"Understandable, but disappointing. I will reschedule for later in the year at a different venue Southend, sorry for the inconvenience, have a great day."
He restricted replies on the post so that only those he can follow could respond. However, people could still quote the post with a comment.
Colm Brady said: "Disgusting. Violence was not used, read their email response. They do not condone your vile tweets."
Wallasey-based horror writer Ramsey Campbell added: "Oh, I think they had the courage of their convictions."