Keir Starmer's emotional message to Liverpool on visit after parade crash horror
In a visit to the Liverpool today, Keir Starmer said the whole country watched in horror after a car ploughed into a crowd in Water Street - leaving 79 people, including children, injured
Keir Starmer has praised the bravery of Liverpool's emergency services who rushed to help those injured by horrific events at the city's Premier League victory parade.
In a visit to the city today, the PM said the whole country watched in horror after a car ploughed into a crowd in Water Street - leaving 79 people, including children, injured. It came as police were given more time to question a 53-year-old driver, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
Mr Starmer told the Liverpool Echo: 'The whole country watched on with horror as what was meant to be a day to celebrate turned into devastation on the streets of Liverpool. My thoughts remain with all those who were caught up in this awful incident - innocent football fans, including children, who had been looking forward to this day for many years."
He added: 'The first responders showed remarkable bravery, caring for those who were hurt and protecting the public, and my heartfelt thanks go out to them. Liverpool has suffered too much trauma over the years, but it has a long and proud history of coming together in difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.'
The PM also spoke to police chiefs about the collision on Water Street on Monday during his visit to the city today. He told the meeting at Merseyside Police HQ: "Thank you all for making time. It's really important for me to be here. The scenes on Monday were just awful, to see how incredible joy at an amazing achievement turned to horror in a moment."
Mr Starmer said the Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, who also attended the meeting on Wednesday, had been keeping him updated since the incident. He added: "It's really important to be here to go through this first hand with you, so thank you for making time and ensuring that I get to see the detail in the way that I'd like to."
Mr Rotheram also said: "As the facts from Monday's events become clearer, I want to take a moment to thank those from across the country, and across the world, who've sent messages of support and solidarity - especially to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary for coming to visit and meet those emergency services who rushed towards the danger.
"The Liverpool City Region stands as one - and it means so much to have the rest of the country stand with us."
The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were "deeply saddened" by the parade crash, adding: "What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy." On Wednesday, Water Street was reopened to traffic after police tents were removed from the scene. Street cleaning teams worked overnight to clear the road, which had been littered with bottles, cans and football scarves and flags.
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