A tragic scene unfolded in Liverpool on Sunday evening after a car drove into a crowd of fans who had gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade.
The incident, which occurred on Water Street at about 6:00 p.m., left 47 people injured, including four children.
According to Merseyside Police, the vehicle struck pedestrians shortly after the club’s open-top bus had passed.
While the incident shocked fans and residents alike, authorities confirmed it is not being treated as a terror attack.
A 53-year-old white British man, believed to be the driver, was arrested at the scene, no other suspects are being sought.
One child and three adults had to be rescued from under the vehicle by firefighters, while two victims one child and one adult are reported to have sustained serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated, “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
It is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.”
Child safety and crowd control have become major concerns following the incident.
Emergency services responded quickly.
David Kitchin, from the North West Ambulance Service, said, “This is indeed an appalling incident and we understand that people will be deeply upset.”
He confirmed that 20 people were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
A cycling paramedic on duty during the parade was hit by the car but escaped unhurt.
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle of Merseyside Fire and Rescue revealed that fire crews had to lift the car to free those trapped underneath.
Victims were rushed to Royal Liverpool Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree Hospital, and Arrowe Park for treatment.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson expressed deep sadness.
“The attack had cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city,” he said.
“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times. I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”
Eyewitnesses shared chilling accounts of what they saw.
Peter Jones, a fan from the Isle of Man, said, “We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back.
He then drove into people… there were a lot injured.”
Harry Rashid, who was there with his family, said, “Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.
My daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground… it was horrendous.”
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also reacted to the news.
“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
Liverpool FC released a statement offering support to those affected. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” the club stated.
“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
Meanwhile, police have urged the public not to share any footage of the moment, to respect the privacy of the victims and their families.
