26-05-2025
What happened at Liverpool title parade - everything we know so far
The Prime Minister described 'appalling' scenes as witnesses explained how a people carrier ploughed into crowds of people who had been celebrating in the city centre.
A man has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC's trophy parade this evening.
Merseyside Police said the 53-year-old is white, British and from the Liverpool area. The Prime Minister described 'appalling' scenes as witnesses explained how a people carrier ploughed into crowds of people who had been celebrating the club's Premier League success in the city centre.
The club said they were in contact with the force and would continue to offer their full support to the emergency services and local authorities. It's understood a press conference is set to take place later tonight in which medics will release an update on the number of casualties as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones as next of kin would be contacted. Footage of the incident which was 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.
A large police cordon was put in place on Water Street and emergency vehicles could be seen lining the road. Images from the scene show a mass of emergency service vehicles around Water Street and Dale Street.
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision.
"We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible. Updates will be published on this page and Mersey Police as we know more."
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.
Witness Natasha Rinaldi, who was watching the parade from her friend's living room, told Sky News: 'It was so loud. People sounded desperate. And then we looked out the window and we saw the car (had) run over people. Then people started rushing to go after the driver and they tried to break the car. The police did everything to block and to push people away.
'We could just hear screams and screams. We were very confused. Some of my friends were down there and the car was so near them. It was a horrible scene, nobody was expecting it.'
She said 'people had stopped the car' and were knocking on the window 'and trying to speak to the driver'. People were very angry and shocked, and then the police intervened. And then we heard the ambulances coming.'
In a statement posted on social media Liverpool FC said they were in 'direct contact' with Merseyside Police. They added: "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.'
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said footage of the incident was 'appalling' and urged people not to speculate. She said: 'The footage from tonight's parade is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with all those affected. A 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area has now been arrested.
"My thanks go to Merseyside Police and our emergency service partners who have responded so swiftly. Updates will be provided as soon as possible. In the meantime, I'd urge people to please not speculate any further.'
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: 'We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area.
' Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision. We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: ' The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper meanwhile described the scenes in Liverpool as "truly shocking".
She said: "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."
A spokesperson for the ambulance service later added: "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."
NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones.
In a statement the trust 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."
