Liverpool parade crash suspect cannot be named after police arrested man
The driver of the car that ploughed into dozens of people in Liverpool city centre on the day of the Reds' title parade cannot be named, as no one has yet been charged over the incident
Following the horrifying incident in Liverpool's city centre last night, social media has been flooded with queries about the driver's identity and the circumstances surrounding the event. Merseyside Police confirmed that the man suspected of driving a car into dozens of people in the city centre after Liverpool's title-winning parade is a 53-year-old white British local.
However, as no charges have been made regarding the incident, the police are not disclosing the arrested man's name, which is standard practice in the UK. The press are also prohibited from identifying him.
In a significant ruling in 2022, the Supreme Court determined that an individual under criminal investigation has a reasonable expectation of privacy and should not be named until charges are filed.
When someone is charged, the police typically release their name, street address, and age, as these details form part of their legal identity and prevent individuals with the same name from being mistakenly identified as the suspect.
The incident occurred around 6pm yesterday, Monday, May 26, when the city centre streets were packed with hundreds of thousands of Reds' fans. The Reds players had completed a 15km bus tour of the city, culminating in spectacular scenes on The Strand in the city centre, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Last night's press briefing revealed a harrowing tally of 47 casualties from the tragedy, with 27 requiring hospitalisation. Amongst the injured were four children. Two people, including of the children, sustained serious injuries.
In the chaos, the Riva Blu restaurant was swiftly transformed into an emergency triage centre, with paramedics seen administering aid on site.
Merseyside Police's assistant chief constable Jenny Sims urged caution, stating: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media. I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight."
She further clarified the nature of the incident, saying: "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.
"We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team."
Adding to the official statements, Mersey Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer Nick Searle said: "Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 6.07pm, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.
"On arrival, the crews were confronted with numerous injured individuals and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle. Our teams swiftly lifted the vehicle, extricated those underneath and handed them over to our ambulance colleagues.
"We then collaborated with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and were transported to hospital as quickly as possible. My fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the forthcoming days and weeks."
Liverpool council leader Cllr Liam Robinson appealed: "I would urge people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media - please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to assist their investigation.
"We won't be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to do so. Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.
"Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times. I've no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks."
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Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
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Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Riot police respond to second night of violence in Ballymena
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South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Riot police respond to second night of violence in Ballymena
Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannons as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder. Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA) It came after similar violent disorder around Clonavon Terrace in the town on Monday night, following an earlier peaceful protest in the day which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described those events – which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted – as 'very concerning'. Emergency services outside a house in Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) A senior police officer condemned the disorder as 'racist thuggery'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson issued a public appeal for information and said the PSNI was actively working to identify those responsible for the 'racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice'. He said the service would deploy significant resources to any further disorder during the week. Police in Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) On Tuesday evening, riot police were deployed to residential streets around Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday as hundreds of people gathered in the area from approximately 7pm. The PSNI formed barricades while officers wearing armour and shields also responded to the disorder. Some masked protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. The PSNI advised those present to disperse and warned that water cannon would be deployed against those participating in violent activity. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. A vehicle on fire near Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) As rioters were dispersed into other parts of the town as the evening progressed into night, a property on Bridge Street and a home on Queen Street were set on fire. Other properties had windows smashed as some residents chose to display signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. Multiple cars were also set on fire as part of blazes set by rioters, including near a car wash and tyre centre off Bridge Street and on Larne Street. The clothing of at least one participant caught fire during the disorder. The PSNI cleared streets and allowed gaps in its barricades for firefighters to tackle fires in the town as chaotic scenes continued past midnight. Officers also used a drone as part of the response to illegal activity, which saw some rioters kick in doors and ransack homes. The Northern Ireland Secretary has said there is 'no justification' for attacks on police officers or vandalism. The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people's homes or property. — Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) June 10, 2025 In a social media post, Hilary Benn said: 'The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. 'There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people's homes or property.' During Monday's disorder, 15 police officers were injured and several PSNI vehicles were damaged. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested on Monday night. Police officers using a water cannon near Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The earlier peaceful protest formed in support of the family of the girl. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'
