Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team’s Premier League title success when a car ploughed into crowds of supporters, leaving dozens injured
Liverpool: Police press conference after car ploughs into crowd
Scores of individuals, including four youngsters, were injured in a horrific scene yesterday as a car barrelled into crowds of jubilant Liverpool fans celebrating their recent Premier League triumph. Amidst the spring break festivities, an estimated one million Reds supporters thronged the streets to honour the team’s procession with the Premier League trophy aboard an open-top bus.
Setting off from Allerton Maze on the outskirts, the celebratory route spanned 10 miles over three and half hours, culminating at the Strand in the heart of the city. Tragedy struck on Water Street, just a mile short of the parade’s climax.
Shortly after the champions’ bus had gone by, a car surged into the crowd. Horrifying footage – too graphic for us to share – captured the vehicle accelerating as it swerved into pedestrians, sending them sprawling onto the bonnet and scattering in a desperate bid to avoid injury.
What happened on Water Street?
Accounts from the scene describe the car beeping while travelling at “a decent speed” through Water Street. Observer Mike Maddra recounted how the car mounted the kerb, prompting a multitude to scramble for safety.
The vehicle then ploughed into the crowd, only coming to a halt when irate bystanders descended upon the car. Witnesses described the entire incident as lasting between 20-30 seconds, with the first victim being catapulted “about 20 feet” into the air.
The scene in Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a 53-year-old white British man was arrested when a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: PA)
Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter who was at the parade, told the broadcaster he saw individuals striking the car before it reversed and then “it suddenly accelerated forwards”, directly towards the assembled crowd. Police confirmed the car eventually came to a standstill at the scene and the man was apprehended.
What have the police disclosed?
Merseyside Police verified that a 53-year-old white British man, from the Liverpool area, was taken into custody. They believe he was the driver of the car.
At a press briefing, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated the “horrific incident” is not being considered as terrorism. She further added: “The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.
“We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle. Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not being treated as terrorism.”
How many people were injured in Liverpool parade crash?
A staggering 47 individuals were injured, with 27 requiring hospitalisation. Among the casualties, four children were affected, one sustaining serious injuries.
Dave Kitchin(Head of the NW Ambulance Service),speaking at a Press conference at the Cunard Building,after the Water Street incident (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The Liverpool FC team celebrate winning the Premier League as their parade bus makes its way through Liverpool today (Image: GETTY)
Dave Kitchin of the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) also mentioned that 20 people received on-site treatment for minor injuries.
“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,” he elaborated during the press briefing.
Details regarding the nature of the injuries, particularly the severe ones, remain undisclosed at this point. It is understood that among those seriously injured were several individuals trapped under a vehicle.
Firefighters hurried to rescue the group, which included a child.
Liverpool FC and the Premier League statements
The Premier League has reached out to Liverpool FC in the wake of shocking events, expressing their dismay and extending support. The official statement conveyed: “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.”
Liverpool FC also confirmed ongoing communication with local law enforcement, stating: “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.”
The club extended its concern and solidarity, adding: “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.”
What has Keir Starmer said?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the distressing scenes in Liverpool, remarking: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling – my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.”
He acknowledged the response of the emergency services in a subsequent comment: “Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.”
Starmer emphasised the importance of safety during public celebrations, saying: “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.”
Most Popular Comments
1st Most liked comment • 57 minutes ago13
“Police quick to disclose the ethnicity of the driver, if he had been of another persuasion, it would have been kept under wraps. “
2nd Most liked comment • 4 minutes ago7
“Labour enhanced riots you mean.”
3rd Most liked comment • 52 minutes ago7
“having seen 4 different videos of this from different angles, it strikes me the …”