Liverpool Parade Incident: 53-Year-Old Man Arrested After Car Hits Crowd.
A 53-year-old man has been arrested after a car struck several pedestrians in Liverpool city centre during the Premier League victory parade.
What Happened?
According to Merseyside Police, the incident occurred just after 18:00 on Monday, 26 May, on Water Street. The vehicle collided with a number of people as crowds gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s title win.
“The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained,” police said in a statement. They later confirmed the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British resident of Liverpool, believed to be the driver.
Emergency services responded quickly. The ambulance service reported that 27 people were taken to hospital, including two seriously injured—one of whom is a child. An additional 20 people were treated at the scene. Merseyside Fire Chief Nick Searle said four people, including a child, were pulled from beneath the vehicle.
Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related, noting that an event is only classified as terrorism if it aims to intimidate or influence for political, religious, racial, or ideological purposes.
Eyewitness Accounts
Videos shared on social media show the car driving through a crowd, causing people to scatter. It appears to speed up before coming to a stop. In one video, individuals are seen striking the vehicle, with its rear windscreen shattered.
BBC reporter Matt Cole, present at the scene, described the car moving through the crowd "without stopping" and being pursued by several men attempting to halt it. He estimated the speed to be over 20mph.
Another witness, Matthew O’Carroll from Runcorn, saw the car entering Water Street at a “decent” speed, with the driver sounding the horn while driving through the crowd.
Water Street is near the Strand, where Liverpool FC had just paraded the Premier League trophy. The incident occurred roughly a mile before the parade’s end point, amid thousands of fans.
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling” and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the incident was “deeply worrying,” expressing sympathy for those affected.
Liverpool FC said it was in contact with police and extended its “thoughts and prayers” to the victims. Everton FC echoed the message of support. Liverpool also postponed planned staff celebrations out of respect.
The Premier League issued a statement expressing shock and offering support to Liverpool FC.
Steve Rotherham, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said the incident had “overshadowed” a day meant for celebration. He urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
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