‘Wind taken out of sails of celebration': NI presenter describes ‘chaotic' scenes after car ploughed into crowds in Liverpool

Belfast Telegraph

27-05-2025

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Four children are among almost 50 people injuredPrime Minister says whole country 'stands with LiverpoolNewtownards man injured in incident described situation as 'crazy'
BBC NI presenter Connor Phillips has described the scenes in Liverpool as 'chaotic' and said the 'wind was taken out of the sails' of the city after a car ploughed into crowds of fans last night.
The Radio Ulster broadcaster was in the city alongside hundreds of thousands of others yesterday to watch Liverpool celebrate their latest Premier League success.
Four children were among 27 patients taken to hospital following the incident. Two people – including one child – have sustained serious injuries.
A further 20 patients were treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service.
In total almost 50 people are injured according to the latest reports.
A 53-year-old man – believed to be the driver of the car – has been arrested.
According to the city's mayor Steve Rotheram this morning, four people remain 'very ill' in hospital.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the whole country 'stands with Liverpool'.
Sir Keir said: 'Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected, those injured, which of course includes children, their families, their friends, the whole community, Liverpool fans everywhere.
'Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, the broadcaster also described the mood of fear and concern into the night as people in the city pieced together the full story of what had happened.
He said the 'wind had been taken out of the sails' of the massive party that up until that point had been engulfing the city.
"I was about another 500 yards down the street, it was quite strange where we were you could see there was two helicopters in the sky,' he said.
"They were following the parade. Then as we started to disperse after the team had passed, we did notice there was another ambulance in the sky.
"One of my friends said: I think that was an air ambulance'.
"As we made our way back up into Liverpool, back up into where we were, we started to see and hear different things.
"As we got 4G and 5G on our phones as it was coming back… as the coverage started to come back in, we started to be fed with pictures and theories.
"The main thing we have been getting is family and friends asking: 'Are you ok? Were you anywhere near that car?'
"It is chaotic and it is quite sad after such an incredible couple of days in Merseyside.
"It was like the wind was taken out of everyone's sails.
"Everyone was checking their phones to see what photographs they got, who got Virgil van Dijk. Then the news started to filter through and it very much felt like the wind was coming out of everyone's sails.
"Back in pubs and bars and restaurants I was in, people were gathered around the TV – the yellow breaking news line.
"It took a while for all of us to get to terms with. It became the thing we all talked about last night.
"We didn't talk about the amazing time, where we were, the joy and happiness of football – we all said, wow this has really taken the wind out of the sails for the day and people were just praying there were no fatalities.'
Jenny Sims, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police said they are making 'extensive inquiries' to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Ms Sims said they were not treating the crash as terrorism-related and described it as an 'isolated incident', adding that they had put in place a 'robust' road traffic policing plan ahead of the parade.
Footage of circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street.
Officers surrounded the car very soon after, as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police.
Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were seen being taken away by ambulances.
Merseyside Police earlier said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force.
Hordes of fans had travelled from NI to be at the victory parade on Monday, many of whom were on the surrounding streets when the incident occurred.
Jack Trotter from Newtownards, who attended the parade with girlfriend Abbie Gallagher, was injured in the incident.
He posted on social media shortly afterwards, describing the events as 'crazy'.
"I'm writing this because I've got a million texts asking if I'm okay and it's crazy over here. I've barely any service,' he said.
"The parade was going unreal until the very end. Unfortunately I was hit, however I'm extremely lucky as I dodged the car just in time, however still got hit.
"In absolute shock how an event like this can turn to such a tragedy.'
Mr Trotter said he was in 'absolute agony' following the incident.
Donaghadee Football Club posted on Facebook about Mr Trotter and his partner.
'All at Donaghadee would like to send our thoughts to Jack Trotter and his partner Abbie,' they said.
'Unfortunately after what was an amazing celebration and parade for Liverpool fans, they were hit by the car that senselessly drove into the crowd leaving the parade.
'We have heard both are doing ok after what has been a traumatic event for them both.
'They both have our full support and thoughts.'
Another NI man – who asked to remain anonymous – told this newspaper he had been in the area just minutes before the incident.
"It's terrible what happened on a day of celebration,' he said.
"We were just five minutes away from it. It's heartbreaking. We left that area five minutes before and as we walked up the street we heard screams and then realised something had happened.
"There were crowds of people surrounding the car and it had struck loads of bystanders.
"It's heartbreaking. We had a day trip from Belfast for an outstanding day until this happened. Liverpool is in shock. A day of celebration has become a nightmare.'
One man from Belfast told The Times newspaper he had been outside the nearby Riva restaurant when the incident occurred.
"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,' he said.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her thoughts were with everyone caught up in the 'terrible scenes'.
News Catch Up - Monday 26 May
"My heart goes out to all injured and to so many loved ones and friends worried this evening for those undergoing treatment,' she said.
UUP MLA John Stewart said he was praying for all involved.
He said the scenes were 'really shocking' on what was meant to be a momentous day for the city.
'Praying everyone involved is ok and thinking of everyone who was there and affected.'
Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with Merseyside Police and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.'