Liverpool crash eyewitnesses give accounts of horror parade incident as car mows down fans
Police said 12 people were injured when a car mowed down pedestrians during Liverpool's Premier League trophy parade on Monday evening. Here, eyewitnesses describe the scenes.
Onlookers were "shocked" and spoke of hearing bloodcurdling screams as a vehicle barrelled into the crowd during Liverpool's Premier League trophy celebration last Monday. Police have since detained a 53 year old man, who Merseyside Police described as a white, British local from Liverpool.
The incident was widely condemned, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer branding it "appalling", whilst Counter Terrorism Policing North West are aiding Merseyside Police with their investigations.
Chilling footage shared online on Monday seemed to capture the moment the car accelerated into bystanders on both sides of the road. Law enforcement quickly surrounded the vehicle, as members of the public attempted to hinder the driver, who was eventually restrained by officials.
First responders were promptly at the scene, with several injured parties being ferried off in ambulances while a substantial police cordon was erected along Water Street, and emergency service vehicles could be spied up and down the thoroughfare.
A statement from Liverpool FC asserted: "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.", reports the Mirror.
"We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those touched by this grave situation. We stand ready to provide ongoing support to the first responders and the authorities responsible for handling this distressing episode."
Liverpool parade crash: The full story on the severe incident following a police apprehension.
BBC reporter Matt Cole, who was at the scene with his family, recounted the terrifying experience: "I was there with my family. We had just moments before watched fireworks going off and celebrations, the Liverpool bus passing us on the Strand.
"There were screams ahead of us and suddenly this dark blue car just came through the crowd. It just wasn't stopping. I managed to grab my daughter who was with me and jump out of the way.
"It missed myself and my family by literally inches. We then turned and watched what happened momentarily behind us before running.
"It was being chased by a group of men who were trying to bang on the side of it and throw things at it. The back of the rear windshield had been completely smashed in, but it just had no intention of stopping. At that point, we and others dived into a side street and then once I was sure my family were safe, I looked back to see people sitting on the ground surrounded by people.
"Police came running from all over, ambulances, police vans, as we moved away through those crowds.
"An entire squad of armed police cars stopped, and people jumped out with rifles and again big medical packs on and began running to the scene of the incident."
Another onlooker, who was strolling with a group of mates, reported seeing a car "accelerating" and striking pedestrians. The chap, who identified himself to the Press Association as Mike Maddra, recounted how the "car veered left, mounted the pavement, headed towards us and sped towards the buildings. We dodged out of the way and it was picking up speed".
He further stated that he believed he saw two individuals being struck and added, "It appeared intentional".
A third gentleman, Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was attending the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he observed the collision.
"It occurred about 10 feet away from us," Mr Rashid explained. "We were simply in a crowd and we had no control over our position, as it was a very narrow street.
"The vehicle approached from our right. It emerged just beside an ambulance, which was parked. This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and rammed into all the people next to us. It was heading south, down Water Street, straight towards the Strand, where the docks are located.
"It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people being knocked off the bonnet of a car.
"Then he stalled for a few seconds, probably about 10 seconds. Then the crowd that was a bit further back started rushing at him trying to smash his windows. But then he put his foot down again and just ploughed through the rest of them, he just kept going.
"It was horrible. And you could hear the bumps as he was going over the people. Then my daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground. It looked clearly deliberate.
"They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade. There were hundreds and thousands of us there because this is probably the busiest part of Liverpool. We were shocked, couldn't believe it."
Emergency services arrived at the scene "within seconds", he said.
A fourth witness, Peter Jones, 44, from the Isle of Man, described the incident as "shocking".
He said: "We were walking up Water Street, thousands around us. We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back.
"He then drove into people, police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road. There were a lot injured. We heard it behind us hit the crowds, then we saw half a dozen people [injured] in the road as we were walking up.
"It was shocking. We're back at our hotel now, in a bit of a shock."
Merseyside Police are leading the investigation into the incident, but officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting them.
In a statement posted on social media Liverpool FC said: "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."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the scenes were "truly shocking".
She added: "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."
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram commented: "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."
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch remarked: "The pictures emerging from Liverpool are deeply worrying. My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident."
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