Alleged Liverpool parade crash suspect's wife 'realised when she saw her car'
The wife of a man accused of driving his car into a crowd at Liverpool FC's victory parade reportedly discovered the terrifying incident when she "saw her car on the TV news," according to neighbours.
The 53 year old man, who is married with three teenage children, remains in police custody as authorities were granted additional time for questioning. Neighbours in West Derby, Liverpool, have described him as "a fantastic guy" and "a family man", expressing their shock at his arrest.
One neighbour told The Sun: "She [the wife] first realised when she saw it was her car on the telly, when she saw it being driven at the parade. The normal police cars turned up at teatime then Matrix van turned up later that night."
Merseyside Police's extension was granted on Wednesday and lasts until Thursday. The force also reported that seven people are still in hospital in a stable condition following the collision on Water Street on Monday, and they have identified 79 individuals who were injured in the incident.
The suspect, described by Merseyside Police as "white British", was arrested on Monday hours after a car ploughed into pedestrians celebrating Liverpool FC's second Premier League title, reports the Mirror.
When police arrived at the suspect's home shortly after the incident, neighbours initially thought the family had been victims of a burglary. One said: "It's completely out of character. They are a nice family, the boys are well behaved. He is a fantastic guy.
"It just doesn't make any sense... The family is lovely. The whole thing is so sad – for his wife and children and for all those people who were hurt and injured."
After the devastating incident, the suspected former company director was arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug offences.
As the city tries to come to terms with the horror, Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Liverpool on Wednesday afternoon to speak with key local officials and police chiefs about the shocking event. The PM went to the police headquarters in the heart of Liverpool to have a sit-down with Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
He said: "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."
Solidarity for Liverpool folk has been pouring in thick and fast, with King Charles chucking out a message stating: "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 said they are "deeply saddened" by the mess of the parade crash, adding: "What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy."
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