Five key Liverpool parade questions as car rams into crowds of fans celebrating
Around a million Liverpool fans reportedly flocked to watch their team move through the city centre with the Premier League trophy - but chaos soon unfolded.
Dozens of people, including four children, were injured on Monday after a car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans who were celebrating the club's recent Premier League title.
Up to a million Liverpool fans spilled on to the streets to celebrate their team as they travelled through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus, reports the Mirror.
The parade started at Allerton Maze south of the city before setting off on a 10-mile route over three-and-a-half hours and ending with a finale on the Strand in the city centre. However, chaos soon unfolded on Water Street, around a mile before the parade finished.
The car rammed into crowds only moments after the bus passed attendees. Footage of the shocking incident, which we have deemed to distressing to publish - appeared to show the car speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street. Revellers were knocked to the floor off the windshield, falling to the ground and darting out of the way to avoid harm.
What happened on Water Street on Monday?
Witnesses at the scene claim the driver were beeping as the car travelled as a "decent speed" along Water Street. Mike Maddra said the vehicle mounted the pavement and scores of people ran to get out of the way.
The car then smashed into people, coming to a halt when furious onlookers coverged on the motor. Windows were smashed and police interevened. Witnesses told The Guardian that the whole ordeal lasted around 20-30 seconds, and the first victim was thrown "about 20 feet" in the air.
Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter who attended the parade, told the public broadcaster he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then "it suddenly accelerated forwards", straight towards the surrounding crowd. Police confirmed the car eventually stopped at the scene and the man was detained.
What else have police said?
Merseyside Police confirmed a 53-year-old white British man, from the Liverpool area, was arrested. They believe he was the driver of the car.
At a press conference, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the "horrific incident" was not being treated as terrorism. She added: "The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.
"We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle. Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
"I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not being treated as terrorism."
How many people were injured?
A whopping 47 people were injured and 27 were taken to hospital. Of those, four children were hurt, with one suffering serious injuries. Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), also said 20 people were treated at the scene.
"We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment. Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance, and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained serious injuries," Mr Kitchin continued at the press conference.
The nature of the injuries - including the severe ones - have not been confirmed at this stage. It is thought that among those with serious injuries are a group of people who were pinned under the vehicle. Firefighters dashed to free the group, which included one child.
What has Liverpool FC and the Premier League said?
The Premier League has said it has been in touch with Liverpool to offer their support. A statement read: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident."
And Liverpool have confirmed they remain in contact with Merseyside Police. The Reds 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."
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What has the Prime Minister said?
In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling - my thoughts are with all those injured or affected."
He added: "Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.
"They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
"The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."
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