Police granted further time to question Liverpool parade suspect
The 53-year-old man, from West Derby, Liverpool, remained in custody on Wednesday after officers were granted further time to question him on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving, Merseyside Police said.
The Prime Minister visited Liverpool to speak with police chiefs about the incident on Wednesday afternoon.
A force spokesman said seven people remained in hospital in a stable condition after the collision on Water Street on Monday and they had identified 79 people who were injured in the incident.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: 'I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident.
'We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing inquiries we are identifying more people who were injured.
'I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened.
'In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visiting police in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
'We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there on the day, and I thank them for their co-operation with our investigation.
'I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so.
'An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.'
Sir Keir Starmer travelled to the force headquarters in Liverpool to meet with Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram.
He told the meeting: 'The scenes on Monday were just awful, to see how incredible joy at an amazing achievement turned to horror in a moment.
'Steve, the mayor, has been keeping me informed and updated along with my team but 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.'
Police believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted.
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals.
A fundraising campaign set up for those affected has raised more than £20,000, including a £10,000 donation from the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation, the former Liverpool player's charity.
The Liverpool Spirit Appeal was set up by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) and money raised will be distributed to those experiencing physical or psychological injuries as a result of the incident, as well as to community organisations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting senior police figures in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, including from the King who said: 'I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.'
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.
One remaining Liverpool flag was removed from the top of a set of traffic lights by a worker wearing hi-vis.
A mobile police station remained on Castle Street, near the scene, and officers could be seen patrolling the area.
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