Merseyside Police said more than 50 people were taken to hospital after last night’s incident as they confirmed a suspect has been arrested and remains in custody
Liverpool: Man arrested for attempted murder and drug driving
Merseyside Police has given an update on last night’s incident, confirming that a driver who allegedly ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool’s victory parade has been arrested.
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there on Tuesday in a stable condition. Police said the suspect, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, remains in custody and is being interviewed by officers. As investigations into the crash continue, messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool, including by King Charles and Prince William. Here is everything we know about the incident so far…
READ MORE: Liverpool crash news updates: Driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving
Driver arrested and being questioned
In a major update shared today, Merseyside Police confirmed a driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. Officers confirmed the driver is in custody and is being interviewed by officers. A spokesperson for the force also confirmed Merseyside Police has been given until Wednesday lunchtime to question the suspect.
How the incident unfolded
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the force believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted. Ms Sims said: “It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a heart attack.”
She added: “There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place.” Ms Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, telling reporters the force planned for “all contingencies” – including road closures and an armed police presence.
Update on victims
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals, the police force said. They added that 11 people remained this afternoon in a stable condition.
Ms Sims said: “I have no doubt regarding the impact that this appalling incident has had on those who were injured, their family and friends, and for those who witnessed the incident unfolding in front of them. It is so heartening to hear that the public has also recognised the human impact on our attending officers, staff and other emergency service colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue, and I want to personally thank the public for their support of first responders who were on scene in a matter of seconds.
“Following the incident yesterday, I can confirm on behalf of the National Health Service that we are aware of 50 people who were treated at hospital for ongoing treatment. Of those 11 remain in hospital for ongoing treatment. They are all in a stable condition, and I am pleased to say that they appear to be recovering well.”
King Charles speaks out
The King praised “the strength of community” in Liverpool after last night’s incident. Leading the royal tributes to those involved, Charles said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident.
In a statement, Charles said: “My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday. It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were “deeply saddened” by the scenes that marred the city’s celebrations. In a personal message posted on social media, William and Kate said: “We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday.
“What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground. W & C.”