A car drove into a crowd of pedestrians during Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade on Water Street in Liverpool city centre, injuring 47 people, including four children. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 PM BST and is not being treated as a terrorist attack by police.
Merseyside Police detained a 53-year-old white British man believed to be the driver at the scene and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. Fire crews had to free one child and three adults trapped under the vehicle. Of the 27 people taken to hospital, one child and one adult sustained serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims described the event as an “isolated incident” and urged the public not to speculate or spread misinformation on social media as investigations continue.
Emergency services treated 20 others for minor injuries on-site. A cycling paramedic at the scene was struck by the vehicle but escaped without injury.
Firefighters had to lift the vehicle to rescue those trapped underneath. Injured persons were taken to several local hospitals including Royal Liverpool Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson expressed sorrow over the attack, calling it a dark shadow over an otherwise joyous day. He appealed for respect and restraint in sharing footage of the incident online.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes of panic and distress. Visitors Peter Jones and Harry Rashid recounted the terrifying moments when the car sped into the crowd, with many people knocked down and lying unconscious.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “appalling,” extending his thoughts to those affected and thanking emergency services for their swift response.
Liverpool FC also issued a statement expressing condolences and support for the emergency services and local authorities handling the situation.
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision is ongoing.
