Merseyside Police have arrested a 53-year-old man after a vehicle ploughed into celebrating Liverpool fans during the club’s Premier League title parade
A 53-year-old white British male has been arrested by Merseyside Police after a vehicle crashed into football fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph. Almost a million people were out on the streets as the Reds paraded their 20th top-flight title after the season came to an end on Sunday.
After a day of joyous celebration, a terrifying incident has cast a shadow on proceedings. During the latter stages of the parade, a vehicle on Water Street in the city centre ploughed into supporters with reports of multiple injuries.
Police quickly cordoned off the area with emergency services on the scene and a nearby restaurant transforming into a makeshift Emergency Room. It was later confirmed that an individual had been arrested with Counter Terrorism Policing North West now involved.
Here’s everything we know about the incident at the time of writing…
What happened at the Liverpool parade?
At just before 6pm on May 26, police were made aware of reports of a Road Traffic Collision on Water Street in the Liverpool city centre. In footage seen by The Mirror a car can be seen driving towards a large group of people gathered in the street, the car then stops before accelerating again and colliding with more pedestrians.
Police can then be seen swarming to the vehicle, with the individual detained and put in a nearby riot van. An initial statement from Merseyside Police read: “We are currently dealing with reports of an RTC in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Mon 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male detained.”
What have Merseyside Police said?
Following their initial statement, the force subsequently confirmed that an arrest had been made.
“We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre,” a second update read.
“We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
“We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
It was then confirmed that Counter Terrorism Police were supporting Merseyside Police in their investigation. A further update from Merseyside Police is expected at 10.30pm on May 26.
Where did the Liverpool parade crash happen?
The incident occurred on Water Street in Liverpool, near the Strand and was on the route of the parade, with the bus passing around 10 minutes before the incident. Police quickly cordoned off the area with an air ambulance then arriving at the nearby Liver Building.
What has Keir Starmer said in response?
The Prime Minister released a statement of his own, urging people to allow the police to carry out their duties. He said: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected. 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.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added: “Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool this evening. Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I’m being kept updated on developments.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action.
“This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”
What have emergency services in Liverpool said?
At the time of writing there is no official figure on the number of injuries, with four ambulances, a fire engine and police cars at the scene.
A statement from the North West Air Ambulance Service (NWAS) reads: “NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision.
“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.
“Updates will be published on this page and Mersey Police as we know more.”
A second update read: “North West Ambulance Service has now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight. Details of this will be announced shortly.”
What did eyewitness at the scene of the crash see?
Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision.
He told the Mirror: “It happened about 10 feet away from us. We were just in a crowd and we had no control over where we would be, because it was a very narrow street.
“The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up. This people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us.
“It was travelling south, down Water Street, straight towards this strand, which is where the docks are. It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.
“Then he stalled for a few seconds, probably about 10 seconds. But then he put his foot down again and just ploughed through the rest of them, he just kept going. It was horrible.”
Liverpool FC statement on the incident
The day was supposed to be one of celebration for the Reds after Arne Slot’s cruised to a 20th top-flight title. And for much of the day that was the case before the terrifying incident.
A statement from the club read: “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.”
In response, the Premier League said: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected.
“We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”