The Liverpool parade car incident on Monday evening transformed jubilation into horror, as a 53-year-old man was arrested after a car ploughed into pedestrians. This shocking event occurred during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Water Street in Liverpool city center at approximately 6:00 PM local time, minutes after the team bus passed.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the detained individual is a white British man from the Liverpool area. Authorities have not yet clarified whether the arrested man was the driver of the vehicle, as extensive inquiries continue to establish the circumstances leading to the collision.
Liverpool Parade Car Incident: Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
Multiple eyewitnesses have provided harrowing accounts of the incident. Harry Rashid, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, described the moment when a grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people.
It was extremely fast,” Rashid told The Guardian. “Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.” He further stated that the vehicle appeared to stall momentarily before accelerating again through the crowd.
BBC reporter Matt Cole, who was at the scene with his family, recounted how he grabbed my daughter and dived out of the way as the car drove through the crowd. It missed myself and my family by literally inches, Cole said, adding that the vehicle’s rear windshield had been completely smashed in as people attempted to stop it.
Another eyewitness, Peter Jones, 44, from the Isle of Man, described the incident as shocking. He reported seeing half a dozen people injured in the road after hearing a frantic beeping before the car drove past him.
Emergency Response to Liverpool Parade Car Incident and Current Situation
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with multiple ambulances, police vehicles, and fire engines arriving within minutes. The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that crews have cleared the scene following the incident.
According to reports, approximately 30 people were treated for injuries or shock at an Italian restaurant opposite Liverpool town hall, near the collision site. St. John Ambulance workers were among the first responders treating the injured, some of whom are believed to be in critical condition.
Merseyside Police have established cordons around Water Street, with a significant police presence remaining in the area. Two fire engines were reported blocking part of the street, while several large blue and white inflatable tents have been set up within the police cordon.
The investigation is being led by Merseyside Police with support from the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, though authorities have emphasized this involvement is precautionary as they work to establish any potential motive.
Official Statements and Reactions
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes in Liverpool as appalling and thanked emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident. He confirmed he is being kept updated on developments.
Liverpool FC released a statement saying: Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the scenes truly shocking and thanked police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, expressed that our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured, while Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson stated the incident has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day.
Liverpool Parade Car Incident: What We Know So Far
• A car collided with pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city center at approximately 6:00 PM
• A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been arrested
• The incident occurred shortly after the Liverpool FC Premier League victory parade passed through the area
• Multiple eyewitnesses describe the vehicle accelerating into crowds of supporters
• Emergency services responded rapidly, with multiple ambulances and police at the scene
• Approximately 30 people have been treated for injuries or shock
• Authorities have warned against speculation about the circumstances surrounding the incident
• A news conference is expected later tonight, around 10:30 PM BST
Merseyside Police have urged people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and have asked the public not to share distressing content online. They have requested that any footage or information be sent directly to them via their official channels.
The collision has cast a shadow over what had been a day of celebration for Liverpool FC fans, who had gathered in their thousands to celebrate the club’s Premier League trophy win.
Updates to Follow
Police have announced that a news conference will take place later tonight, expected around 10:30 PM BST, where further details about casualty numbers and the ongoing investigation will be provided.This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sources: BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk
ESPN: https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/45332474/liverpool-parade-police-detain-man-car-collides-crowd
