A number of people have been injured after a car crashed into crowds gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s league title win. Witnesses have described what they saw
27 people have been hospitalised after a car drove into the Liverpool parade crowd (Image: GETTY)
Eyewitnesses have recounted the horrifying moment a car ploughed into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s league title victory. A 53-year-old white British man has been arrested following the incident, which saw a people carrier mount the pavement on Water Street just after 6pm on Monday, injuring several individuals.
Police officers cordoned off the junction of Castle Street and Water Street, with firefighters also present at the scene. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, were permitted to exit the cordoned area.
One witness, who was part of a group of friends, described seeing a car “speeding up” and striking pedestrians. The man, identified as Maddra, relayed to PA news agency how the “car turned left mounted pavement, came towards us and ran towards the buildings.”
He added that they managed to dodge the vehicle, which he said was accelerating. He believes he saw two individuals being hit.
Another eyewitness recounted the “frantic” scene as the car barrelled into the Liverpool crowds. Peter Jones, 44, from the Isle of Man, who was attending the parade, labelled the incident as “shocking”.
He said: “We were walking up Water Street, thousands around us. We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back.”
In the wake of a chaotic incident in Liverpool, eyewitnesses have recounted the distressing moments as emergency services rushed past.
One witness recalled: “Police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road. There were a lot injured. We heard it behind us hit the crowds, then we saw half a dozen people [injured] in the road as we were walking up.
“It was shocking. We’re back at our hotel now, in a bit of a shock.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reacted to the unsettling events, stating: “Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool this evening.
Police rushed to the scene on Water Street (Image: GETTY)
“Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I’m being kept updated on developments.”
The incidents provoked a serious response from Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, who called the footage “appalling” and requested restraint from the public.
Providing detail, she explained: “The footage from tonight’s parade is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with all those affected. A 53 year old white British male from the Liverpool area has now been arrested.
“My thanks go to Merseyside Police and our emergency service partners who have responded so swiftly. Updates will be provided as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’d urge people to please not speculate any further.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed his dismay, commenting: “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. My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or affected.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage conveyed his alarm, stating he was “horrified to see the scenes in Liverpool” following what he described as a “disturbing attack”.
“My thoughts are with all of those affected and injured by this disturbing attack,” he continued.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed his consternation at the events, saying he was “shocked”.
“I want to thank the emergency services who have responded so quickly,” he declared. “My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or affected.”
