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The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
Police issue major update about Liverpool parade crash
More than 100 people have now been reported injured after a car drove into crowds celebrating Liverpool's victory, police have confirmed. The incident occurred on Water Street in Liverpool city centre just after 6pm last Monday. As of Monday 2 June, four people remain hospitalised. Merseyside Police said on Monday that the number of reported injuries has risen to 109, a huge increase from the initial count of 79 reported last week. Paul Doyle, 53, has been charged in connection with the crash. He appeared in court last week. 'This is a complex and constantly evolving investigation and we are still working through and assessing those reporting being injured and our inquiries remain ongoing,' Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said. 'I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with us so far to give witness accounts or supply information or video footage. The response so far has been of great assistance in progressing the investigation.' More than 500 submissions had been made to the Major Incident Police Portal and a team of detectives are working through the information, she said. 'I would continue to appeal for anyone who has information and is yet to come forward to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.' Those injured and their families are being supported by specialist officers and police are being assisted in the investigation by forces in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire. Doyle, reported to be a former Royal Marine, from Croxteth, Liverpool, is charged with two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The offences relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday and is due appear for a plea hearing on August 14. Detective Superintendent Wilson said: 'As a person has now been charged in connection with this incident, I would like to remind people not to speculate or share information or footage which could in any way jeopardise the case. 'We understand that emotions are still running high, and people are seeking answers, but it is vital that we allow the matter to go through the judicial process.' Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
Reuters
5 days ago
- General
- Reuters
UK man appears in court over Liverpool car collision that hurt dozens
LIVERPOOL, England, May 30 (Reuters) - A British man appeared in court on Friday charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans during this week's victory parade. Paul Doyle, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, is charged with seven offences including dangerous driving and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The 53-year-old appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning and confirmed his name, address and date of birth before the case was briefly adjourned. The incident took place in Liverpool's packed city centre on Monday evening, as around a million people had come out to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League win and watch an open-top bus parade the team and its staff with the trophy.
The Independent
7 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Liverpool parade crash: Why police released suspect's details so quickly
Within two hours of a car ploughing into crowds in Liverpool city centre, police had confirmed the alleged driver was a 53-year-old white man from the Merseyside area. No doubt desperate to halt the spread of misinformation online, which had already begun to circulate on social media along with graphic footage of the incident, Merseyside Police made the unusual decision to share the suspect's ethnicity and nationality at the earliest stages of the investigation. It marks a 'complete step change' in their approach to the response to the horrific knife attack in Southport last summer, police commentators have noted. A vacuum of information in the aftermath of the stabbing at a children's dance class was filled with misinformation about the suspect's ethnicity and asylum status, which helped to fuel angry far-right riots which erupted across the country. On that occasion, police had told the public they had arrested a 17-year-old from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, but it did little to quell the surge in inaccurate information being shared on social media. The mass unrest illustrated all too starkly the new threat facing police responding to high profile incidents in an online age – the tinderbox of social media and weaponised misinformation. North West Ambulance Service's Dave Kitchin and Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, during a press conference (PA) After Monday's crash at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade, which wounded 50 and left thousands of shocked football fans stranded in the city centre, police acted faster. Peter Williams, senior lecturer in policing at Liverpool John Moores University, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there has been a 'shift' in their approach. He said: 'It has been a shift, because, particularly in relation to the aftermath of Southport… there was a lot of criticism focused at Merseyside Police and of course the CPS, in relation to how the management of information was sort of dealt with.' He later added: 'It was no surprise to me last night that within an hour or so, we got a statement to say what had happened and that somebody, a male, had been detained. 'Later on, there was a press conference led by the Assistant Chief Constable, where she shared a lot more information. 'As that investigation progresses, which will be a major one led by the major investigation team, that will be shared with the public, so there's been a complete step change in how the police will be communicating what has occurred with the public.' Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent in London's Metropolitan Police, said it was 'unprecedented' and the police acted 'very quickly' in giving the ethnicity and race of the suspect. He said it was likely an effort to cool social media speculation that the episode was an Islamist attack. Police and emergency personnel dealing with the incident in Liverpool on Monday (PA) Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham said it was 'absolutely the right thing to do' to put to put to bed online speculation. 'Because if you have a look at social media already, within minutes of the incident being posted, there was speculation, and there was some nefarious groups who were trying to stir up some speculation around who was responsible for it,' he said. 'So the whole idea was to put to bed some of that for, obviously, the misinformation and disinformation that was out there, and to try to calm people.' Pressure on police responding to such incidents is not just coming from the public - politicians are also increasingly quick to demand information. Comments from Reform leader Nigel Farage in the wake of the Southport attack, asking 'whether the truth is being withheld from us', were criticised for helping to fuel the unrest. Shortly after yesterday's incident in Liverpool, shadow home secretary Chris Philp had posted on X: 'The public deserve to know the full facts as quickly as possible.' However politicians will know all too well that police must balance the threat of public disorder with the risk of prejudicing any future trial. Contempt of court laws strictly limit what can be shared about a case before it goes to trial. A 53-year-old white British man was arrested when a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade (PA) Helen King, a former Merseyside Police assistant chief constable, warned we should not expect such information to be released as a matter of routine. 'I guess what concerns me is that with future incidents, there's always a risk that the police may not be able to do this, and we need to manage public and media expectations,' she said. 'There may be occasions when it's not clear, the information that the public are asking for. The police will not want to release inaccurate information and undermine public confidence in that way. 'And also there is a major criminal investigation ongoing now that investigation must not be compromised, and in future incidents, release of detail about suspects, about people arrested could potentially compromise an investigation or a court case. She said sharing information was the 'right thing to do on this occasion', but said each incident will be different. 'It is a really difficult new world, isn't it that the police the courts are operating in it is we need to let the police do their job, let the other emergency services and prosecution authorities do their job and not go around demanding information,' she added.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Arne Slot speaks for the first time since Liverpool trophy parade crash horror - as he pulls out of awards ceremony in 'solidarity' with victims
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spoken for the first time in the wake of a car knocking down a crowd of people following his side's Premier League trophy parade on Monday evening. The Reds had been celebrating winning their 20th top flight title as thousands of supporters took to the streets to get a glimpse of their heroes. However, shortly after the parade concluded, a car drove into a group of people on Water Street in Liverpool city centre at around 6pm, leaving 65 injured. Police confirmed on Tuesday evening that 11 fans were still being treated in hospital following the incident, but that they 'appeared to be recovering well'. A 53-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit with drugs. Slot was due to attend the League Managers Association's (LMA) annual awards ceremony, but opted not to attend after Monday's incident. The Dutchman did provide a statement, though, as he thanked the football community for rallying around Liverpool in light of the distressing scenes. 'As you will know, a shocking incident took place in Liverpool yesterday, one that left dozens of men, women and children who had attended our parade injured, and as a result I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected. 'This is not a decision I have taken lightly but it is one that I feel is absolutely right given the seriousness of the situation. I hope that I have your understanding in this regard. 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider football community, including the LMA itself, the Premier League and many clubs who will be represented tonight, for the support we have received over the last 24 hours. Football is and always should be a game built on rivalry, but it is also a great source of comradeship, especially at times like this. 'I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and other authorities in Liverpool who swung into action as soon as the incident happened. 'Along with the supporters and bystanders who helped one another in an hour of need, I think everyone involved in the aftermath deserves the gratitude of all of us.' Slot scooped two major prizes as he was named Premier League Manager of the Season and LMA Manager of the Year after guiding Liverpool to the title in his first season at Anfield. Reacting to winning two gongs, Slot added: 'I am humbled to be named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Season so thank you to the Barclays & The Premier League awards panel for selecting me. 'It goes without saying that I am also really proud to be a member of the League Managers Association and therefore I am truly honoured to be awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for the LMA Manager of the Year. 'To be voted for by your managerial peers is so special, especially as I know the unbelievable quality of those who have won this award previously. 'Sir Alex, I look forward to meeting with you at a later date to receive my trophy from you. I also look forward to attending my first LMA Annual Awards dinner on a future occasion. Thank you once again for your understanding and your support.'
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Sky News
Liverpool parade latest: Man, 53, from Merseyside, arrested after pedestrians hit
Here's what we know so far Things are developing quickly in Liverpool after a car collided with a "number of pedestrians" this afternoon. Here's everything we know so far: Emergency service responded just after 6pm to an incident in Liverpool city centre after a car collided with several pedestrians; The incident happened as up to a million fans lined the streets to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title; A 53-year-old British man from the Liverpool area has been detained, but it is not yet known how many people are injured or if anyone has been killed; The ambulance service said at 9.24pm that it has now cleared the scene - and said it will update on casualty numbers at a news briefing expected at 10.30pm - we'll bring you live coverage here and across Sky News; The area has been cordoned off and a large number of emergency services remain at the scene; Merseyside Police are leading the investigation, with officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West supporting, the PA news agency understands; The prime minister has described the scenes as "appalling", and thanked the emergency services for their response - while the home secretary has said she is being kept updated by the police. Health secretary thanks 'amazing' NHS staff for 'heroic' actions The health secretary has just issued a statement as emergency services in Liverpool work to help people hit by a car that ploughed into pedestrians. Wes Streeting wrote on X: "I would like to thank our amazing emergency services for their heroic actions this evening in Liverpool. "My heart goes out to everyone impacted in this horrible incident. "My department is working with NHS England to keep across any developments for our NHS staff." Footage shows aftermath of incident Warning: distressing images This footage shows the aftermath of the car hitting pedestrians. Emergency responders can be seen tending to people on the scene, with a large number of police cars, ambulances and a fire engine in attendance. Watch the video in full below: Waiting for police to 'establish the facts' amid online speculation We are waiting for more detail from the police, who have launched a huge investigation. Sky News' Charlotte Leeming says there was a "strong police presence" in Liverpool before the incident, but this then rapidly expanded as the scene was turned from "jubilation and joy" to horror. The north of England correspondent adds that there were a lot of people still on the street at the time of the incident, despite the club's coach having passed through around thirty minutes beforehand. Merseyside Police have now put a forensics tent as well as a large van which acts as a "mobile office and a control room", so that multiple agencies can work together on scene. Charlotte says: "We see speculation on social media, but we're waiting on Merseyside Police to really establish some facts here." A "massive operation" is now underway, with multiple agencies, including counter-terror police, now investigating, Charlotte adds. She says that the priority for the emergency services was to help the people who were injured - though we don't know just how many people have been yet. There was also "a huge ambulance presence" in the minutes after the attack. She adds: "I don't think I've ever seen so many ambulances together in one spot. "They really have got the resources here." The main road is cordoned off to the public, as well as several side streets, she explains. 'There were a lot injured': Eyewitness describes 'frantic' moment car ploughed into crowds An eyewitness has described the "frantic" moment the car ploughed into the crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's win, saying: "There were a lot injured." Peter Jones was at the parade and described the incident as "shocking". The 44-year-old 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." He added: "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." The map below details the location of the incident, on Water Street: 'Not unusual to be waiting for casualty numbers at this stage' Graham Wettone has told Sky News that it is "not unusual to have no casualty figures released at this stage" yet. The police commentator says Merseyside Police have been "fairly quick and swift" at putting out information into the public domain so far, to prevent misinformation spreading online. But he says people must recognise that "these are very confusing incidents". He explains that casualties will be taken to different hospitals, including ones further away than the ones immediately nearby, to manage demand on A&E departments. Some may be taken to one before being sent to another, while others may be discharged. Wettone also says that not everybody will have been taken by ambulance, with some taken by police car. He says: "It then takes time to collate that information" and he adds that "those numbers can be quite confusing in the first few hours". Asked if it is unusual to lack detail at this stage, he responds that "it doesn't surprise me at all... that there are no factual details yet". He says a casualty bureau that will collect all of this information will be established, and that this will cross-check the numbers against names to ensure that nobody is counted twice. "As with most things, the police, the ambulance service, the hospital service will be keen to get these details absolutely factually correct before they release them", he concludes. Hospital trust urges public not to call A hospital trust has urged members of the public not to call to ask about their loved ones after the Liverpool victory parade incident because next of kin would be contacted. In a statement, NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group said: "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones. "Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard." Police fighting wave of speculation, expert says We can now bring you some analysis on the unfolding incident from police commentator Graham Wettone. He has explained how one issue Merseyside Police is facing is a wave of speculation on social media in the immediate aftermath. "That's always a problem in today's day and age, social media taking over so much news reporting, with so many people as well present at the scene where that awful incident took place, mobile phones out, people recording it, and then posting it almost straight away," he said. He added: "It potentially is a huge issue for Merseyside Police to try and manage this situation and the inaccurate speculation." Wettone went on to explain how he had already seen "completely inaccurate" posts, adding it was "far too early to speculate". He said the local police force had done well to come out so quickly with information on the incident, sharing what they are able to at the current time. Alongside that, he repeated a police plea to not share images and video of the incident, instead sending it straight to the force. For context: Last summer, in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings that took the lives of three young girls, there was widespread speculation over the identity of the attacker. This led to anger and riots, and violence breaking out across the country. Ambulance service has cleared the scene - update on casualties tonight The North West Ambulance Service said it has cleared the scene in Liverpool. The service said it will give an update on casualty numbers later tonight. A spokesperson said: "North West Ambulance Service has now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight. "Details of this will be announced shortly." Where did the collision take place? This map shows the location of the incident on Water Street. The car smashed into crowds celebrating in Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been arrested, Merseyside Police said. Footage shows the car smashing into pedestrians in the street, with people rushing up to hit the windows and police running towards the scene. Several people were seen being taken away by ambulances and a large police cordon has been put in place. A large blue tent has been set up, with two fire engines parked in front. Video shows moment car ploughs into crowd Warning: distressing images Footage shows the moment the car ploughs into the crowd as well as the aftermath. People can be seen swarming around the car and hitting the windows as the police rush to respond. Just to warn you, the video contains distressing images. Sky News has edited it to not show pedestrians being hit by the vehicle. You can watch the video in full below:
