A 53-year-old white British man was arrested after driving into fans; terrorism was ruled out by police
A joyous day in Liverpool turned into chaos when a car ploughed into football fans during a Premier League victory parade, injuring at least 27 people, including four children. Emergency services rushed to the scene as stunned onlookers tried to help the injured, while others attempted to stop the driver.
The suspect, described by police as a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, was arrested shortly after the incident. Authorities were quick to confirm he acted alone and that the ramming was not being treated as an act of terrorism.
The collision occurred during a celebratory event attended by hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC fans. Crowds had braved the rain to line the streets and cheer their team as they showcased the Premier League trophy on an open-topped bus. The parade route stretched over 10 miles, ending in the city centre.
As celebrations neared their end, chaos erupted. Videos circulating on social media showed a dark-coloured car swerving through the crowd, striking multiple people with brutal force. Eyewitnesses described the moment as surreal and terrifying.
“It was extremely fast,” said Harry Rashid, who had brought his wife and two daughters to the parade. “We heard the pop, pop, pop of people being knocked off the bonnet of a car,” Rashid said. The vehicle seemed to deliberately aim for the crowd and continued after people tried to block it.
Four people, including a child, were trapped beneath the van and had to be rescued by firefighters. Paramedics treated 20 people on the scene for minor injuries, while 27 were taken to the hospital. One adult and one child remain in serious condition.
“We believe this to be an isolated incident,” said temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims. “We are not currently looking for anyone else. The incident is not being treated as terrorism.”
Witness Peter Jones, who had travelled from the Isle of Man for the celebration, said the car’s impact was sudden and violent. “We heard a frantic beeping, then the car sped through the crowd. Windows were smashed as people tried to stop it, but it kept going and hit several people.”
When the vehicle finally stopped, a group of furious fans surrounded it and began smashing its windows before police intervened and arrested the driver.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson called the events a “very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day.” The city had waited years for this moment, with their last title win during the pandemic celebrated behind closed doors due to lockdowns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern over the incident. “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling – my thoughts are with all those injured or affected. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.”
Police moved quickly to release a description of the suspect, likely to prevent the spread of misinformation. Just last year, a stabbing incident in nearby Southport sparked a wave of anti-refugee riots fuelled by online rumours that falsely identified the suspect as an asylum seeker. The actual perpetrator was a British-born teenager.
Despite the grim events, fans and emergency workers showed resilience. Many rushed to help the injured, while others formed human chains to keep the area clear for paramedics. “It was terrifying, but people looked out for each other,” said Rashid. “There was panic, but also bravery.”
As police continue their investigation, parts of the city remain cordoned off. Officials urge the public not to speculate on motives while evidence is still being gathered.
SKY NEWS
A joyous Liverpool FC Premier League trophy parade turned tragic as a people carrier drove into crowds on Water Street, injuring 27 people, including four children. Two remain in serious condition. Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic as the vehicle sped through packed streets. Peter Jones said the car “flew past” with people chasing it and smashing windows. Harry Rashid, who attended with his family, said his daughters were traumatised and have stayed silent since. Other witnesses, including Chelsea Yuen, narrowly avoided being hit, recalling screams and frantic attempts to escape. From above, Natasha Rinaldi saw the panic unfold, with desperate cries from the crowd. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the driver was restrained and taken into custody. The motive remains unclear. The incident has overshadowed celebrations and raised questions about event security. Liverpool FC expressed sympathy and support for those affected, while many families are still in shock, trying to process the terrifying event. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
BBC
A car ploughed into crowds during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Water Street, injuring 47 people, with two in serious condition. Witnesses described scenes of terror as the vehicle rammed into pedestrians just after 6 pm. BBC reporter Matt Cole said the car missed his family “by inches” and was travelling at speed, smashing through crowds. Bystanders chased the vehicle and smashed its rear window.
Harry Rashid, at the parade with his young daughters, described the horrifying sound of people being hit. Other eyewitnesses reported the car reversing, then accelerating again towards the crowd, knocking people “like bowling pins.” Police quickly responded, with armed officers and ambulances swarming the area.
A 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of being the driver. Several onlookers described the vehicle’s actions as deliberate, and many were left shaken and distressed. What began as a joyful day of celebration turned into a traumatic and chaotic ordeal for fans and families.
