A man accused of driving a car into crowds during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade is set to appear in court on Friday. Paul Doyle is scheduled to appear before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning after being charged with a series of alleged offences after Monday's incident amidst the title celebrations in Liverpool city centre.
A total of 79 pedestrians, including four children as young as nine and an elderly casualty aged 78, were injured after being hit by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street just after 6pm, with 50 needing hospital care. Seven are still hospitalised but are reported to be in a stable condition and believed to be on the mend.
Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, two of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. His case is listed from 10am at the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, with the 53-year-old having been charged with the alleged offences yesterday afternoon.
The charges involve a total of six victims, including two children. These include one count of wounding with intent and one of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said during a press conference at the force's headquarters on Thursday: "As always, our thoughts remain with all those injured and affected by the appalling incident that took place during the Liverpool Football Club parade on Monday, reports [the Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-parade-suspect-paul-doyle-31750089).
"I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions.
"Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answers to all those questions. When we are able to, we will provide further information.
"Merseyside Police is determined to gather as much evidence as possible to ensure that every avenue is explored. Now that Paul Doyle has been charged, we ask that the judicial process be allowed to continue without any speculation online or elsewhere that could impede the pursuit of justice for all those affected.
"A total of 79 people who were injured continue to be in contact with our officers and staff, and seven people remain in hospital, receiving the expert care of our NHS colleagues. I hope that all of those who were injured, or witnessed this terrible incident, are able, given time, to heal and recover.
"This continues to be a large and complex investigation and detectives are reviewing a huge volume of CCTV and mobile phone footage submitted by the public and businesses, as well as footage from our own body worn cameras and dashcams.
"We are extremely grateful for the ongoing cooperation of the public who have, and continue to, share their footage and witness accounts with detectives. Their input is vital to our ongoing enquiries.
"I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have relevant information to please come forward and contact us. As always, my thoughts remain with victims and everyone impacted."
Sarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey Cheshire, meanwhile told the media: "The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence.
"This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve. The charges will be kept under review as the investigation progresses.
"We know Monday's shocking scenes reverberated around the city of Liverpool and the entire country on what should have been a day of celebration for hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC supporters. Our thoughts remain with all those affected.
"Criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information or media online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. Please allow the legal process to take its course without undue speculation."