Police revealed late on Monday night that 27 people have been taken to hospital followingthe major incident in Liverpool city centre, with two in a “serious” condition
Twenty-seven individuals, including four children, were hospitalised after the incident that saw a car mow down crowd members at Liverpool FC’s trophy parade on Monday. Emergency services confirmed that two people are in a “serious” condition, including a child.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the Bank Holiday Monday incident was not being treated as terrorism and was believed to be an isolated incident following the arrest of a 53-year-old man at the scene. The force said the suspect was the driver of the car, white, British and from the Liverpool area.
The Prime Minister said he had spoken to the Mayor of Liverpool about the incident, adding: “Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.”
Four people, including a child, were pulled from beneath the vehicle after it drove into the crowd, Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, announced.
David Kitchin of the North West Ambulance Service also confirmed that a paramedic was hit by the car but did not sustain serious injuries. He said: “We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment. Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance, and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained serious injuries.”
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Footage circulating online appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street. Officers surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police.
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.”
He later added: “They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
“The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”
The incident occurred on Water Street, near The Strand. Approximately a million people had gathered on the city’s streets to witness Liverpool’s players hoist the Premier League trophy in an open-top bus parade. The horrific scene happened towards the end of the parade as crowds began to thin out.
Terrified witnesses recounted seeing the car driving into a large group of fans at around 20-30 miles per hour.
A witness, Peter Jones, 44, from the Isle of Man, described the incident as “shocking”.
He said: “We were walking up Water Street, thousands around us. 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, police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road. There were a lot injured. We heard it behind us hit the crowds, then we saw half a dozen people [injured] in the road as we were walking up.”
“It was shocking. We’re back at our hotel now, in a bit of a shock.”
Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish said: “Shocked, horrified and deeply saddened about what happened at the end of the parade today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone and their families who have been impacted by today’s tragic event. Our anthem has never felt more appropriate, You’ll Never Walk Alone. Your Liverpool family are behind you.”
Liverpool celebrated clinching the Premier League title in front of jubilant fans for the first time since 1990, marking a historic moment after their previous victory during the Covid-hit 2019-20 season when supporters couldn’t witness the triumph due to restrictions.
The club released a statement: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening. 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.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher wrote on social media: “Devastating end to the day… just pray everyone is.
Ex-Reds striker Robbie Fowler added: “Heartbreaking news… absolutely sickened with what’s happened here in Liverpool.”
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