‘I'm in absolute shock': NI fan hit by car which ploughed into crowds at Liverpool victory parade

Belfast Telegraph

26-05-2025

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.
A 53-year-old man – believed to be the driver of the car – has been arrested.
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.
"Please consider the victims and their families before sharing the distressing footage circulating online' – Eóin Tennyson MLA
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 later told BBC NI he was in 'absolute agony' following the incident.
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.
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NI's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her thoughts were with everyone caught up in the chaos.
"Terrible scenes in Liverpool,' the Lagan Valley MLA posted on her Facebook page.
"My heart goes out to all injured and to so many loved ones and friends worried this evening for those undergoing treatment."
DUP MLA John Stewart also posted on social media that he was praying for all involved.
"Really shocking scenes in Liverpool this evening for what was due to be such a momentous day for the city and for everyone at Liverpool Football Club,' he said.
'Praying everyone involved is ok and thinking of everyone who was there and affected.'
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson urged the public not to share footage of the incident online.
"Appalling scenes coming from Liverpool on what should have been a day of celebration for the city and fans,' he posted online.
'My thoughts tonight are with the people of Liverpool, all of those affected by this horrific incident and the emergency workers who now need time and space to do their jobs.
"Please consider the victims and their families before sharing the distressing footage circulating online.'
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.'
A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street following the incident and emergency vehicles could be seen lining the road.
A conscious man on a stretcher was seen being put into an ambulance and the paramedic told police he believed the Liverpool Royal Hospital may be overwhelmed.
Police lined the junction of Castle Street and Water Street and firefighters were also at the scene.
A large blue tent was erected in Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. An ambulance incident unit was parked nearby before driving away.
A police van and car blocked Water Street, and other police vehicles were parked along The Strand.
Emergency vehicles including ambulances were allowed out of the cordon.