Car which rammed into Liverpool fans ‘could have been tailgating ambulance’
Read on for a minute-by-minute breakdown of the horror event
Emily Jane Davies, News Reporter
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A CAR which rammed into Liverpool fans could have been tailgating an ambulance, it has been claimed.
Dozens of people were injured when the vehicle smashed into supporters celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win yesterday.
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A car driving into a crowd of people.
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Footage showed brave fans racing after the car as it sped forwards
Car driving through a crowd emitting red smoke.
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The driver sped down the road despite efforts by fans to slow them down
Person driving a car.
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The driver was filmed through the car window by onlookers
Emergency responders at the scene of a car accident.
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Police officers cover an area of the road with an inflatable tentCredit: AFP
Illustration of Liverpool car attack map and photo showing car driving into crowd.
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Four children were among the 47 people hurt, with cops confirming a 53-year-old white British man from the Merseyside area was arrested at the scene.
Today, chilling scenes show discarded footie shirts, children's toys and flowers left by the police cordon as they investigate.
As the horror unfolded, brave fans attempted to smash the car's windows to get at the driver when he stalled.
But he managed to start up again, piling into more screaming supporters as they tried to flee.
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Police are currently considering how the car gained access to Water Street.
One line of enquiry is the car may have been attempting to follow an ambulance, according to the Echo.
What we know so far:
A car collided with multiple pedestrians when it drove into a crowd on Water Street, Liverpool city centre
The incident happened just after 6pm as Liverpool FC's victory parade was coming to an end
Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool who they believe to be the driver
The incident is not being treated as terror-related and police are not looking for anyone else
Four children were among 27 people taken to hospital and 20 treated at the scene
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The city's metro mayor Steve Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were "legitimate".
He said: "Water Street was not a route where vehicles were supposed to be using it, it was blocked off.
"At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards The Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway.
"The questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what they're doing."
It emerged that four people in hospital are currently "very ill" following the horror crash.
Just a few hours earlier at 2.30pm, hundreds of thousands had packed the streets to watch an open-top bus tour as the team celebrated winning the Premier League.
Some revellers climbed traffic lights to get a view of their heroes and crimson flares were set off during the ten-mile city tour.
It was the first time since 1990 Liverpool could celebrate a title win with a parade, their 2020 success coming during the pandemic.
But as the parade began to wind down just before 6pm, a dark grey Ford Galaxy suddenly appeared in Water Street.
Footage shows fans around the car moments before the incident took place - unaware of what was about to happen.
It reversed suddenly, bumping into a few annoyed revellers, before speeding forwards.
One mobile phone clip shows it colliding with dozens of screaming supporters before making a sharp right turn and stopping.
A car driving into a crowd of people.
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Smoke from celebratory flares surrounded the fans and the car as the horror unfolded
Liverpool fans confronting a driver after a car drove into a crowd.
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Fearless fans hammered at the vehicle as it went down the roadCredit: Facebook
Liverpool fans reacting to an incident at a victory parade.
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Fans react on the roadside following the incidentCredit: Reuters
Police and emergency personnel assisting a man at a road traffic collision.
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Emergency workers help injured fansCredit: PA
Aftermath of a car collision with pedestrians during a Liverpool FC victory parade.
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Emergency services quickly swarmed the sceneCredit: EPA
Scooters and debris scattered on the ground at a crime scene.
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Scooters and rubble left discarded on the street where the horror took placeCredit: AP
Forensic investigators examining a crime scene.
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Forensics start to examine the site where the car tore down the streetCredit: AP
Seconds later, it turns to the left, and appears to hit several more before coming to a standstill.
Harry Rashid, 48, who was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters, said: “It happened about ten feet from us.
“We had no control over where we would be because the street was very narrow.
"The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to a parked ambulance.
“It pulled up from the right and rammed into all the people at the side of us. It was fast. The noise was terrifying.”
Mr Rashid, of Solihull, West Mids, described how crowds began trying to smash the car windows.
He said: “The driver stalled for a few seconds, probably about ten.
“Then loads of people a bit further back started rushing at him trying to smash his windows.
“But then he just ploughed through the rest of them.
“It was horrible. So many innocent people, fans just wanting to enjoy the parade, were hurt.”
He added: “I just wanted my kids to get off the road regardless. You’re just exposed there on the pavement.
“It was all horrendous, so horrendous.”
Video shows brave fans throwing bags at the vehicle and kicking it in a desperate attempt to slow it down.
Several sprinted after it as the driver continued down the road.
Despite their best efforts to stop the car, numerous people were thrown to the sides and some fell beneath the vehicle.
After pushing through dozens of footie fans for around 20m, the car came to a stop.
Fire crews arrived to find four people trapped under the vehicle, including a child, and worked quickly to free them.
Around 27 people were rushed to hospital, two - including a child - had serious injuries.
Flowers left at the scene of a car accident.
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Flowers laid at the scene where a car collided with people during the paradeCredit: EPA
A discarded octopus toy and Liverpool flag on the ground after a car hit a crowd.
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A discarded child’s octopus soft toy and a Liverpool flag lay in the roadCredit: AFP
Debris-strewn street scene with police tents and officers following a car crash.
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Police tents surrounded by debris at the scene in Water Street this morningCredit: PA
Tourists walking past police tape and debris after a car drove into a crowd.
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People make their way past Water Street after a car was driven into a crowdCredit: PP.
Aftermath of a car plowing into a crowd in Liverpool, showing police, emergency vehicles, and a forensic tent.
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The scene in Water Street pictured last night near the Liver BuildingCredit: PA
Ambulances, a hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.
Emergency ambulances took patients to the Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals.
Merseyside Police issued a statement on the horror crash soon after.
The force quickly addressed the incident, saying: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
"We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 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.
"Emergency services are currently on the scene. We will issue more updates as we have them."
The North West Ambulance Service released their own statement on the tragic incident.
"All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured."
The statement added: "Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained.
"We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.
"We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm.
"This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.
"North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this.
"To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you."
A car driving into a crowd of people.
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Pedestrians swarmed the car in an attempt to slow its path
Litter and debris on green tables after a car crash.
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Discarded beer cans and bottles remain at the scene of the ordeal todayCredit: PP.
Aftermath of a car plowing into a crowd in Liverpool, England.
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The scene in Water Street in Liverpool city centre this morningCredit: PA
Emergency services attending to a person at a road traffic accident.
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Fans were supported by emergency services in the aftermathCredit: Getty
Street scene after a car hit a crowd of Liverpool fans.
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A general view of the site in the aftermath of the parade horrorCredit: Reuters
The fire services were told about the tragedy at 6.07pm and were on the scene within four minutes.
A Water Street witness, Peter Jones, 44, from the Isle of Man, said: “We heard a frantic beeping ahead and a car flew past me and my mate.
“People were chasing it and trying to stop him. A lot of people were injured.”
Daniel Jones, 28, said he was only feet from the people carrier when it was driven through a crowd of people.
He said: “Luckily my wife had just gone up to the hotel with my three-year-old son. I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn’t done that.
“It was a horrifying scene.”
A man from Belfast in his 30s outside the Riva restaurant said: “I was right by the car. One minute I was having the best day of my life. The next second, the worst.
“I’m so freaked out. I’d give up every title ever for that not to have happened.”
At around 7.30pm, reports said the Prime Minister and Home Secretary were being briefed.
Soon after, Sir Keir released a statement saying: "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."
Half an hour after that, Liverpool FC released a statement on X.
It read: "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."
Shortly after 8pm, police issued a further short statement confirming they had arrested a man thought to be the driver.
They said: "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.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
"We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us."
Three emergency service officials at a press conference.
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Police and emergency services quickly addressed the horror incidentCredit: PA
Debris at the base of a Water Street sign in Liverpool.
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Debris beneath the street sign for Water Street todayCredit: PA
Rubbish and debris on a street after a celebration.
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Rubbish lies on the street near the site where the tragedy occuredCredit: AP
Liverpool fans celebrating in red smoke at a victory parade.
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Liverpool fans line the streets during the team’s victory paradeCredit: EPA
Shortly before 9pm, Yvette Cooper wrote on X: "Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool this evening.
"Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I'm being kept updated on developments."
The mayor of Liverpool City Region said: "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."
Minutes later, The Premier League issued a statement, saying it is "shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening".
A spokesperson added: "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."
By 9.30pm, the chaotic scenes had calmed down and the streets were cleared.
North West Ambulance Service said on X: "We have now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight."
The overwhelmed local hospitals urged members of the public not to call to ask about their loved ones.
NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group said: "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones.
"Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard."
At 11pm, police updated the public via a press conference.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims thanked emergency services and called the evening a "terrible tragedy".
"What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.
"The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism."
Today, Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, revealed that four people in hospital are currently "very ill" following the horror crash.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We are hoping, of course, that they pull through."
The mayor was then asked if the update indicated an increase in the number of people seriously injured.
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He replied: "No, not directly, but of course we’re in liaison with the police and the ambulance services.”
"Last night they had two gold command meetings - one was really late in the evening, so this morning I'll get some updates."
Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram speaks to reporters at the scene of an incident where a car hit a crowd of Liverpool fans.
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Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram speaks near the sceneCredit: Reuters
Aftermath of a car collision with pedestrians during a parade.
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The scene after a car collided with Liverpool supporters during the trophy paradeCredit: EPA
Police officers at a road accident scene.
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Police officers examine the road this morning after a car collided with pedestriansCredit: AP
Police officers walking down a street after a soccer fan incident.
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Cops remain on the street today as they continue to investigateCredit: AP
Four kids among 47 injured after white British man, 53, ‘ploughed’ car into Liverpool FC parade as cops rule out terror
By Patrick Harrington and Nawal Abdisamad
FOUR children are among 47 people injured after a car ploughed "full-throttle" into a crowd at Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade.A 53-year-old white British man from the Merseyside area was arrested at the scene and is believed to have been the driver of the car.The disturbing events followed a day of jubilation in Liverpool after The Reds lifted the Premiere League trophy on Sunday.An estimated half a million people had lined the streets to celebrate the win, despite the miserable weather.But as the parade began to wind down at 6pm, carnage unfolded.
The devastating scenes saw a dark grey Ford Galaxy accelerating and making a sharp-right turn into the milling fans, including young families.Distressing footage shows the car moments before it ploughed into the crowd.It was in the midst of footie fans, with some appearing agitated and one reaching for the car door handle.The driver swung the door closed before putting his foot down as shocked pedestrians watched on in horror.Some gave chase, attacking the car in a desperate bid to stop it.Despite their efforts, numerous people were thrown to the sides and some fell beneath the vehicle.After pushing through dozens of footie fans for around 20m, the car came to a stop and the driver was arrested at the scene.Furious fans rushed the vehicle, battering it and smashing through the windows.Cops then had to fight back the fuming pedestrians who were trying to get at the suspect in the back of a police van.Fire crews arrived to find four people trapped under the vehicle, including a child, and worked quickly to free them.Around 27 people were rushed to hospital, two - including a child -had serious injuries.
The North West Ambulance Service said 20 were treated at the scene, with more patients self-presenting later onHaunting photos show fans kitted out in their footie merchandise with blankets around their shoulders, supported and kept on their feet by emergency services.Liverpool city council leader Liam Robinson said the ordeal "cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day".
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