Latest news with #CounterTerrorismPolicingNorthWest
South Wales Guardian
27-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Man arrested after car ploughs into crowd at Liverpool victory parade
Merseyside Police said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force. The Prime Minister described 'appalling' scenes after witnesses said a people carrier ploughed into people who had been celebrating in the city centre. NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the incident because next of kin would be contacted. Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with the force and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident'. Footage circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street. Officers surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. One witness, 28-year-old Matthew O'Carroll, from Runcorn, said the back window of the car was smashed in the incident. He said: 'We were walking up Water Street and approaching the top of the road and the vehicle came past a parked police van at a decent speed. 'People managed to get out of the way as he was beeping as he went through but as he went past, people were obviously very angry and so started running after the car. 'The back window of the car was already smashed. 'I thought that once it went past us, it was just someone that was trying to get away from something and would slow down when he got to more people.' Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were taken away by ambulances. A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street 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 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. Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision. 'This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us. He added: 'It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.' Another witness, who was walking with a group of friends, said he saw a car 'speeding up' and hitting pedestrians. 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… — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025 Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the 'car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings'. He said 'we got out the way and it was speeding up'. Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, 'it looked deliberate' and 'it has just ruined the day really'. In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.'
Western Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Man arrested after car ploughs into crowd at Liverpool victory parade
Merseyside Police said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force. The Prime Minister described 'appalling' scenes after witnesses said a people carrier ploughed into people who had been celebrating in the city centre. NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the incident because next of kin would be contacted. Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with the force and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident'. Footage circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street. Officers surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. Emergency services descended on Water Street (Danny Lawson/PA) One witness, 28-year-old Matthew O'Carroll, from Runcorn, said the back window of the car was smashed in the incident. He said: 'We were walking up Water Street and approaching the top of the road and the vehicle came past a parked police van at a decent speed. 'People managed to get out of the way as he was beeping as he went through but as he went past, people were obviously very angry and so started running after the car. Graphic locating Liverpool parade incident (Infographic PA Graphics) 'The back window of the car was already smashed. 'I thought that once it went past us, it was just someone that was trying to get away from something and would slow down when he got to more people.' Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were taken away by ambulances. A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street and emergency vehicles could be seen lining the road. Police and emergency personnel at the cordon (Owen Humphreys/PA) 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. A tent is erected by police on Water Street near the Liver Building (Danny Lawson/PA) Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision. 'This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us. He added: 'It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.' Another witness, who was walking with a group of friends, said he saw a car 'speeding up' and hitting pedestrians. 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… — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025 Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the 'car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings'. He said 'we got out the way and it was speeding up'. Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, 'it looked deliberate' and 'it has just ruined the day really'. In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.'
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘I'm in absolute shock': NI fan hit by car which ploughed into crowds at Liverpool victory parade
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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. 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.
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Man arrested after car ploughs into crowd at Liverpool victory parade
Merseyside Police said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area and it is understood Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting the force. The Prime Minister described 'appalling' scenes after witnesses said a people carrier ploughed into people who had been celebrating in the city centre. NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the incident because next of kin would be contacted. Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with the force and would 'continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident'. Footage circulating online on Monday appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street. Officers surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. One witness, 28-year-old Matthew O'Carroll, from Runcorn, said the back window of the car was smashed in the incident. He said: 'We were walking up Water Street and approaching the top of the road and the vehicle came past a parked police van at a decent speed. 'People managed to get out of the way as he was beeping as he went through but as he went past, people were obviously very angry and so started running after the car. 'The back window of the car was already smashed. 'I thought that once it went past us, it was just someone that was trying to get away from something and would slow down when he got to more people.' Emergency services were quickly at the scene and several casualties were taken away by ambulances. A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street 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 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. Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision. 'This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us. He added: 'It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.' Another witness, who was walking with a group of friends, said he saw a car 'speeding up' and hitting pedestrians. 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… — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025 Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the 'car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings'. He said 'we got out the way and it was speeding up'. Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, 'it looked deliberate' and 'it has just ruined the day really'. In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Daily Record
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."
