Melanie C has shared her love and support for her home city of Liverpool after dozens of people were left injured after a car drove into football fans at the celebratory parade
Melanie C has shown her solidarity for Liverpool after Monday’s tragic events. The Spice Girls star, who is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC had been in her home city over the weekend to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, alongside her pal Tom Grennan.
On Monday, Liverpool fans turned out in their millions to celebrate their recent Premier League victory. But while celebrating, a car drove into the crowd during the parade celebration on Water Street in the city centre. A dark grey people-carrier was seen driving through the crowd, hitting dozens of fans while relentlessly beeping its horn. Merseyside Police confirmed a man, 53, from West Derby, had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs following the incident on Monday.
Taking to Instagram, Melanie said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the events that took place in Liverpool yesterday. After a beautiful day of celebration in the city, it was devastating to see the horrific events that followed. Sending all my love, support & solidarity to everyone in the aftermath of this heartbreaking news.”
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Melanie is one of several stars from the city who have expressed their heartache over the past 24 hours. MMA legend Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett told his online followers he couldn’t believe what had happened. In a moving post on social media, he said: “Went the parade today amazing support as always for our reds nobody does celebrations and parades like us @liverpoolfc. Taking the baby’s their first ever parade today was a memory I’ll never forget the looks on their little faces looking at the spectacle and I’ll have the pictures and videos to show them when they grow up.
“Still cannot believe what actually happened after it, day of celebration turned into a worry for everyone who was there or even knew anybody there, friends and family messaging to make sure that they are safe something that we shouldn’t have to do or worry about. I hope anyone injured has a fast recovery and anyone affected already knows they have the full city supporting them, red or blue it doesn’t matter. Things like this are more important than football YNWA.”
Comedian John Bishop, who was born in Everton also took to Instagram, explaining like thousands of others, he was also at the parade. He said: “I was at the parade today with my dad and like everyone else I am shocked and heartbroken about the events at the end of the Liverpool parade. My heart goes out to all those affected. Our anthem could not be more appropriate. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
In a statement shared on X, Liverpool Football Club said: “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.”
The force believes that the man drove into fans at the parade while following an ambulance, which had been called to help an individual. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident. Local police were called to Water Street, close to the strand, shortly after 6pm.
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in various hospitals across the region. 11 people remained in hospital on Tuesday but were in a stable condition. Merseyside Police have encouraged people who have information or video footage of the crash to come forward.
Any information or footage can be shared via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP). Speaking at a press conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: “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 a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment.
“Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected, and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come.” She added that the force had received support from neighbouring forces due to “the number of victims.”
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