Despite extensive plans and an increased budget to cover additional security measures, parade revellers have criticised the safety measures that saw a car plough into a crowd, injuring 79 poeple
15:49, 29 May 2025Updated 15:51, 29 May 2025
Police and emergency services struggle to get down Dale Street due to the amount of traffic after the Liverpool FC parade crash
New information on the Liverpool parade's security measures has been released
Details have emerged about the traffic management plans in place during Monday's parade in Liverpool, where a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians.
Concerns are being raised about the safety measures implemented to safeguard the throngs of fans who lined the 15km route to cheer on their Premier League-winning heroes during a bus tour of the city.
It has now been revealed that the driver of a Ford Galaxy, which crashed into crowds on Castle Street around 6pm - injuring 79 people - had followed an ambulance through a road block, enabling him to access Water Street, which was pedestrian-only for the event.
Dale Street footage
Despite 'hostile vehicle mitigation' measures a car was still able to plough through crowds at the parade
Footage obtained by the ECHO traces the path taken by the driver to reach Water Street. He entered Dale Street near the Queensway Tunnels, driving along the bustling route teeming with pedestrians.
Following queries from journalists, Merseyside Police has confirmed that the road block intended to prevent vehicles from accessing Water Street was located on Dale Street, between its junctions with North John Street and Exchange Street East, with traffic diverted down Exchange Street East, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The ECHO had previously been informed that the road block was nearer to Rumford Street, which is at the beginning of Water Street.
Dale Street footage
Locals and revellers have criticised security measures
Planning for this year's parade kicked off in February, with officials assuring that the plans underwent 'rigorous testing' to meet national standards. The parade's budget was increased significantly to increase security measures, with Liverpool FC footing the bill.
The strategy included 'hostile vehicle mitigation' measures along the route, the ECHO was told. The comprehensive plan encompassed road closures, traffic diversions, signage, cones, accredited stewards, and traffic management vehicles, all backed by police presence at crucial junctions.
As a final line of defence, a 3.5 tonne Flatbed truck was stationed on Water Street to block any hostile vehicles. This was a designated 'red route' for emergency vehicle access, according to the ECHO.
However, despite these assurances, some aspects of the plan have drawn criticism. Local business owners expressed shock to the ECHO that most of Dale Street remained open despite the influx of fans heading into town.
Unseen footage of Liverpool parade crash driver heading through city moments before horror
79 people were injured in the incident(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Parade-goers also reported concerning instances of vehicles mixed in with crowds on busy roads.
Police confirmed that a total of 79 people were injured when a Ford Galaxy ploughed into the crowd on Water Street. It has since emerged that the youngest victim was a just nine-years-old.
Article continues below
Seven individuals are still in hospital, however, they are reported to be stable and recuperating. A 53-year-old man is currently being interrogated by the police on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving whilst unfit due to drugs.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.