Man arrested after car ploughs into crowds of people at Liverpool victory parade

A 53-year-old man has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool’s Premier League trophy parade.

Merseyside Police said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area.

The Prime Minister described “appalling” scenes as witnesses described a people carrier ploughing into crowds of people who had been celebrating in the city centre.

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the incident because next of kin would be contacted.

The club said they were in contact with the force and would “continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident”.

Footage of the incident which was circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street.

Officers surrounded the car very soon after, as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police.

Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were seen being taken away by ambulances.

A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street and emergency vehicles could be seen lining the road.

A conscious man on a stretcher was seen being put into an ambulance and the paramedic told police he believed the Liverpool Royal Hospital may be overwhelmed.

Police officers lined the junction of Castle Street and Water Street and firefighters were also on scene.

A large blue tent was erected in Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. An ambulance incident unit was parked nearby before driving away.

A police van and car blocked Water Street, and other police vehicles were parked along The Strand.

Emergency vehicles including ambulances were allowed out of the cordon.

Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision.

“This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us.

He added: “It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.

Another witness, who was walking with a group of friends, said he saw a car “speeding up” and hitting pedestrians.

The man, who gave his name as Mike Maddra, told PA news agency the “car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings”.

He said “we got out the way and it was speeding up”.

Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, “it looked deliberate” and “it has just ruined the day really”.

In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher wrote on X: “Devastating end to the day… just pray everyone is ok”, while ex-Reds striker Robbie Fowler posted: “Heartbreaking news… absolutely sickened with what’s happened here in Liverpool.”

The Premier League posted: “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.”