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A celebratory day in Liverpool turned tragic after a vehicle drove into a crowd of football fans during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade, injuring nearly 50 people, including children. The shocking event took place on Water Street, in the heart of the city, just as festivities were winding down.
Merseyside Police confirmed they arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver of the car. In a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism and that no other suspects are being sought.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, including multiple police units, ambulances, and an air ambulance. According to the North West Ambulance Service, 47 individuals were injured, with 27 taken to hospital. Among those, two people—including a child—sustained serious injuries. The Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, said four individuals, including one child, were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by fire crews.
A spokesperson from the North West Ambulance Service said: “NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision. We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror following the collision.
BBC reporter Matt Cole, who was at the parade with his family, narrowly escaped: “There were screams ahead of us and suddenly this dark blue car just came through the crowd. It just wasn’t stopping. I managed to grab my daughter who was with me and jump out of the way.”
Social media videos captured the moment the vehicle drove into the crowd, at one point appearing to swerve from the densest areas. Other footage showed police surrounding the car while distressed fans attempted to reach the driver.
In their initial statement, Merseyside Police said: “We are currently dealing with reports of a RTC [road traffic collision] in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted at just after 6pm [BST] today, Mon 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained.”
Later, the police reiterated: “We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area."
Liverpool FC responded with a statement: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the events, calling them “appalling” and expressed his concern: “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. I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson urged people not to share disturbing footage online and to provide any evidence directly to police instead.
A strong emergency services presence remained at the site into the evening, and the area was cordoned off. Reports indicated that about 30 people sought refuge or treatment inside an Italian restaurant near the town hall following the chaos.
The Premier League also issued a message of support: “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. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on X: “Football stands together with Liverpool FC and all fans of the club following the horrific incident.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, added: “Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action. This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”
The parade had drawn hundreds of thousands of fans to celebrate Liverpool’s latest Premier League title, but what began in triumph ended in tragedy—leaving the city stunned and searching for answers.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @liverpoolfc
