Police say ‘horrific incident’ not being treated as terrorism as 53-year-old man from Liverpool area is held
A joyous celebration in Liverpool turned into a night of chaos and trauma after a car drove into a crowd of jubilant fans during the club’s Premier League trophy parade, leaving at least 47 people injured — including four children.
The horrifying incident unfolded shortly after 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, as thousands of supporters lined the streets of Liverpool city centre to celebrate their club’s second Premier League title. Footage widely circulated on social media captured the moment a grey Ford Galaxy accelerated into the crowd on Water Street, in the heart of the festivities.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as the vehicle mounted the pavement, hitting dozens of pedestrians. A significant emergency response followed, with ambulances, police cars, fire engines, St John Ambulance medics, and even an air ambulance rushing to the scene.
David Kitchen of the North West Ambulance Service confirmed that 20 patients were treated at the scene, while 27 others — some with serious injuries — were transported to nearby hospitals including Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Arrowe Park and Aintree University Hospital.
Two individuals remain in serious condition, including one child. The NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool has asked the public not to call for updates on loved ones, assuring that next of kin are being contacted directly.
Police swiftly detained a suspect at the scene. Merseyside Police later identified him as a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. He remains in custody as officers carry out extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
At a press briefing on Monday night, Assistant Chief Constable Jennifer Sims confirmed that the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism. However, the force is being supported by counter-terrorism police as a precaution while investigations continue. She added: “We believe this to be an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else in connection at this time.”
Water Street and the surrounding area were sealed off with police cordons, and several first-aid tents were erected to treat the injured. Scenes of chaos were compounded by members of the public attempting to intervene, with some trying to break into the car after it appeared to stall momentarily.
Eyewitness Harry Rashid, who attended the parade with his wife and daughters, recounted the chilling moment: “This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and rammed into all the people at the side of us. My daughter started screaming. I saw people lying on the ground, unconscious. It was horrendous.”
Another onlooker, Natasha Rinaldi, described how she watched in horror from her friend’s flat: “We heard screaming and people started chasing after the car, trying to stop it. The police did everything they could to keep the crowd safe.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling” in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, and extended his thoughts to those affected. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as “truly shocking” and praised the emergency services for their rapid response.
Liverpool FC, in a statement, confirmed it is in direct contact with Merseyside Police. Local rivals Everton also issued a message of solidarity, offering thoughts to all those affected.
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City leaders, including Mayor Steve Rotheram and Council Leader Liam Robinson, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy. “This should have been a night of joy. Instead, it’s been marred by devastation,” Robinson said.
The parade had drawn tens of thousands of fans, following a 10-mile route from Allerton Maze to the city centre. Liverpool players, including Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah, waved to fans from an open-top bus amidst a sea of red banners and flares.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed the area was fully cleared by 9.30pm. Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with video footage or information to come forward.
As the city reels from the shock, one thing is clear — Liverpool’s spirit will endure, but this was a day it will never forget.
