John Swinney describes 'dreadful scenes' after car drives through crowd in Liverpool
Swinney has reacted by saying his thoughts are with the families of the injured this evening.
First Minister John Swinney has described the scenes in Liverpool as "dreadful" after a car ploughed into a crowd of people during the trophy parade this evening.
Witnesses described seeing a people carrier plough into crowds of people who had been celebrating the Liverpool FC's Premier League success in the city at around 6pm on Monday.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area had been arrested following the incident.
In a statement on X/Twitter, Swinney reacted by saying his thoughts were with the families of the injured this evening.
He wrote: "Dreadful scenes in Liverpool tonight. What should have been a day of joy, turned to tragedy. All our thoughts are with the injured and their families. #YNWA"
Meanwhile leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar also released a statement following the horror incident.
In a post on X, he wrote: "Deeply disturbing and horrifying scenes in Liverpool today. My thoughts are with all those injured or affected. It should have been a day of celebration in a brilliant city, not for such despicable violence."
The club said they were in contact with the force and would continue to offer their full support to the emergency services and local authorities. Earlier today we revealed that a press conference would take place tonight in which medics will release an update on the number of casualties as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones as next of kin would be contacted. Footage of the incident which was 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.
A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street and emergency vehicles could be seen lining the road. Images from the scene show a mass of emergency service vehicles around Water Street and Dale Street.
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson 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. Updates will be published on this page and Mersey Police as we know more."
In a statement posted on social media Liverpool FC said they were in 'direct contact' with Merseyside Police. They added: "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.'
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Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said footage of the incident was 'appalling' and urged people not to speculate. She said: 'The footage from tonight's parade is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with all those affected. A 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area has now been arrested.
"My thanks go to Merseyside Police and our emergency service partners who have responded so swiftly. Updates will be provided as soon as possible. In the meantime, I'd urge people to please not speculate any further.'
A Merseyside Police spokesperson 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 @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: ' The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.'
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