Jack Trotter, a Liverpool supporter, was rushed to hospital after he was hit by a car during the Reds’ Premier League title-winning celebration on Monday in the city
Liverpool parade: Jack Trotter recounts moment of incident
A Liverpool supporter struck by a car which hit a crowd of people during the Reds’ title-winning parade revealed how he “locked eyes with” the driver. Jack Trotter was one of more than 50 people taken to hospital following the collision in Liverpool city centre on Monday evening.
He suffered back injuries after being “clipped” by the car on Water Street amid the chaos, after which a 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Recalling the ordeal, Jack, of Newtownards, County Down, told Sky News: “I was just having a ball and singing away, and then I didn’t know anything was happening until I heard someone screaming my name.
“When it sort of got to my level, the car had slowed down and I put my hands up, sort of to protect myself but also to try to say to him ‘stop’… I managed to sort of dodge the bonnet but he was able to clip my legs. My back has completely gone now.”
He went on: “When he had hit me, I was spinning around and hitting loads of people, and then the adrenaline sort of kicked in and I got myself back up.”
Speaking to the PA news agency, Jack added: “I did lock eyes with him… He had ran through me by the time I could get a good look at him.”
Jack posted an emotional message on Instagram, in which he said he feels lucky to have survived. It read: “Only back from hospital after the most horrifying incident I’ve ever experienced in my life.
“The day was going absolutely unreal, one of the best days I’ve ever had being surrounded by Liverpool fans and my partner having a ball… Genuinely seriously lucky to still be here after this as I just moved out of the way in time.
“I hope everyone else who was injured has a speedy recovery also… Thank you everyone for the kind messages and support everyone has shown me and Abbie. We really appreciate it.”
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there on Tuesday in a stable condition A white British man from West Derby, Liverpool, is still being quizzed about the events.
Speaking today, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny 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. There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place.”
Detectives with Merseyside Constabulary are now speaking to any witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders as they seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: “My thoughts are with all those injured in this awful incident, their families and friends, and everyone who has been affected.
“Like us, many of you will still be coming to terms with what was a harrowing end to a day of celebration. I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice.
“We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby (Liverpool) on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.”