Dozens Injured, Including Four Children, After Car Ploughs Into Crowd at Liverpool FC Title Parade
A 53-year-old man has been arrested after a car drove into crowds celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade in the city centre this evening (Monday, 26 May).
The incident occurred at around 6pm on Water Street, near the end of the 15km victory route, as tens of thousands of supporters gathered in jubilation.
Key Developments:
- 27 people taken to hospital
- Four children injured, one seriously
- Incident not being treated as terrorism
- 53-year-old white British male from Liverpool arrested
- Emergency services praised for swift response
- Police urge calm and ask witnesses to come forward
North West Ambulance Service Statement
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed it already had resources in place due to the parade. In total:
- 27 patients were transported to hospitals including Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park, and Aintree University.
- 20 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
- At least two people, including one child, are in serious condition.
- A cyclist paramedic was struck but uninjured.
NWAS said they were “horrified and saddened” and are working closely with police.
Merseyside Police: Not Terror-Related
Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims held a press conference confirming:
Our thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident... At this stage, we do not believe this was a terror-related attack.”
She added that specialist officers are supporting affected families and that a large-scale investigation is underway.
Arrest and Ongoing Enquiries
Police confirmed that the 53-year-old male suspect, a local Liverpool resident, was detained at the scene. He is currently in custody as “extensive enquiries” continue to establish the circumstances.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described scenes of chaos:
There was a car driving straight towards us,” said Natasha Rinaldi, watching from a nearby window. We saw people screaming, some being knocked over. It was terrifying.”
National Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
“The scenes in Liverpool are appalling. My thoughts are with all those injured or affected. I thank the police and emergency services for their swift response.”
The Premier League and Everton FC also issued statements expressing solidarity and support for the victims and their families.
Witness Appeal
Merseyside Police are appealing to the public:
- If you witnessed the incident or have mobile footage, please contact police via 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
