Man Arrested After Ford Galaxy Ploughs Through Liverpool FC Trophy Parade Crowd

A 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving after a Ford Galaxy ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League trophy parade on Water Street.

Merseyside Police confirmed that 65 people were injured, including four children, with 50 taken to hospital. Some sustained serious injuries, though all are said to be in stable condition.

The incident unfolded around 6:00 PM on Monday, 26 May, when the suspect allegedly followed an ambulance through a roadblock, using the temporary gap to drive into the packed crowd.

What Happened?

According to Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, the vehicle tailgated emergency services that were responding to an unrelated medical incident. Once on Water Street, the suspect reportedly became involved in a verbal altercation with fans before reversing into bystanders and accelerating through the crowd, causing widespread chaos and panic.

Shocking footage shared on social media shows the car swerving through dense pedestrian areas, knocking over men, women, and children as fans screamed and rushed to intervene. Four people were trapped beneath the car, including a child, and were freed by firefighters.

Police Confirm Arrest, Ongoing Investigation

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill confirmed that the driver, a white British male from West Derby, was swiftly detained and remains in custody. He is being questioned on multiple charges, including:

• Attempted murder

• Driving under the influence of drugs

• Dangerous driving

The incident is not being treated as terrorism, police emphasized. Forensic officers are continuing investigations at the scene, supported by neighbouring police forces due to the scale of the incident.

Community, Victims, and Royal Response

One of the victims, Jack Trotter, described the event as “the most horrifying incident I’ve ever experienced,” adding he was lucky to be alive.

In a show of support:

• Princess Anne visited emergency responders at Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

• King Charles and The Prince and Princess of Wales issued public statements expressing “deep sadness.”

• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Scenes of joy turned to horror. The whole country stands with Liverpool.”

Security Failures Under Scrutiny

Security experts and eyewitnesses have raised serious questions about how the car accessed Water Street, which was not listed in advance as a closed road during the event.

Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram acknowledged Water Street “was not a designated route for traffic,” while critics argued the event lacked proper hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM).

Lee Doddridge, a counter-terrorism advisor, called the planning “alarming” and said the incident exposes failures in crowd safety protocols.

Police Statement and Witness Appeal

Merseyside Police urge witnesses or those with footage to contact them via 101, quoting incident number 1114/26MAY, or reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Timeline Summary

• 6:00 PM: Car enters Water Street, follows ambulance.

• 6:02 PM: Altercation breaks out between driver and fans.

• 6:03 PM: Car accelerates into crowd.

• 6:06 PM: Police and emergency services respond.

• 6:10 PM: Driver arrested on scene.

Looking Ahead

Authorities continue to monitor victims in hospital and gather evidence. The tragedy has renewed calls for tighter security at major public events across the UK.