On Monday evening, a tragic incident marred Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade when a car plowed into a crowd of celebrating fans in the city center, injuring 27 people, including four children. Merseyside Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area in connection with the incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time on Water Street, near the city center.
The parade, which celebrated Liverpool FC’s 20th top-flight league title, drew over one million people to the streets of Liverpool on a public bank holiday. The festive atmosphere turned chaotic when a vehicle collided with pedestrians, leaving two individuals—one adult and one child—with serious injuries. The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that 27 people were hospitalized, while 20 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported that four people, including a child, were trapped under the vehicle and required extraction.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and is considered an isolated event. “We believe the man arrested is the driver of the vehicle, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to this incident,” Sims said. Authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
Eyewitness Harry Rashid, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, described the harrowing moment when the car sped through the crowd. “It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people being knocked off the bonnet of the car,” Rashid told the Associated Press. He recounted how the crowd reacted by charging the vehicle and smashing its windows, but the driver continued to plow through the crowd, leaving people unconscious on the ground. “It was horrendous,” Rashid added.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock at the incident, calling the scenes in Liverpool “appalling.” In a post on X, he extended his thoughts to those affected and thanked the police and emergency services for their swift response. “I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate,” Starmer said.
Liverpool Football Club, whose players had been part of an open-top bus parade along a 10-mile route, issued a statement expressing support for those affected. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” the club said on X. “We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities.” Everton Football Club, Liverpool’s local rival, and the Premier League also shared condolences on social media.
Emergency services, including ambulances and fire crews, worked quickly to assist the injured, with some victims being carried to ambulances on stretchers. Authorities cordoned off the area, and a tent was set up at the crash site for investigation purposes. NWAS later confirmed that the scene in Liverpool’s city center had been cleared.
NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group has requested that the public refrain from calling its switchboard to allow staff to manage the incident effectively. “Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us by refraining from calling,” the hospital group stated on X.
As investigations continue, the city of Liverpool remains in shock, with the incident casting a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration of the football club’s triumph.