The man accused of ploughing a car into crowds during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade, has appeared in court. Paul Doyle appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning, following charges related to the incident that occurred during Monday's title celebrations in Liverpool city centre.
An astonishing 79 pedestrians, including four children as young as nine and an elderly individual 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 hospitalized but are reported to be in a stable condition and believed to be recovering well.
Doyle, from Burghill Road in West Derby, faces two counts of wounding with intent, two charges of causing grievous bodily harm, two of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.
The charges pertain to a total of six complainants, including two children. These include one count of wounding with intent and one of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.
He was charged with the alleged offences on Thursday afternoon and was visibly emotional as he spoke quietly to confirm his date of birth and age. Doyle sat in the dock with his head down for much of his hearing
At a press briefing at Merseyside Police's HQ, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims shared: "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.
"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.
Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic incident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a car collided with pedestrians during the Premier League winners parade
Police and emergency services on Water Street following the incident in the wake of the Liverpool FC title-winning parade (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
"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."
Emergency services on Water Street in Liverpool city centre after the incident
Emergency services on Water Street in Liverpool city centre after the incident (Image: Iain Watts)
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."