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Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
James Hardie Announces Successful Syndication of New Credit Facilities
SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) ('James Hardie' or the 'Company') announced today the successful syndication of new credit facilities to support its operations and its planned transaction with The AZEK Company Inc. ( AZEK). Transaction Highlights The Company syndicated new senior secured credit facilities totaling $3.5 billion with broad support including 30 participating banks. Specifically, the Company secured a $1 billion revolving credit facility and $2.5 billion senior secured Term Loan A split between a $750 million 3-year tranche and $1,750 million 5-year tranche. Following entry into the new credit facilities, bridge facility commitments under the commitment letter (as defined below) made with certain lenders in connection with James Hardie's pending transaction with AZEK were reduced from $4.3 billion to $1.7 billion. The facilities will price at an applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans for the 3-year between 1.25% to 1.875%, and for the 5-year between 1.375% to 2.00%, depending on Holdings' Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. In connection with this, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to fix the 3-month SOFR at 3.79% on $1 billion notional through June of 2028. The swap increases rate certainty and reduces interest expense vs. the current SOFR rate. 'We are pleased with the strong show of support that this syndication received from new and existing investors and appreciate their partnership. Their participation in these new credit facilities underscores the market's confidence in our value proposition and conviction in our future,' said Rachel Wilson, CFO of James Hardie. 'With this action, we will be executing on our growth strategy from an attractive and flexible financial position.' Transaction Details Certain of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries—James Hardie International Group Limited ('Holdings'), JH North America Holdings Inc. ('JHNAH'), James Hardie International Finance DAC ('JHIF'), James Hardie US Holdings Limited ('JHUSH') and James Hardie Building Products Inc. ('JHBP') entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the 'Credit Agreement'), with the lenders and L/C issuers party from time to time thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent. The Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities (the 'Credit Facilities') in an aggregate principal amount of $3.5 billion, consisting of (a) a senior secured term 'A' loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $750 million (the 'Term A-1 Facility'), (b) a senior secured term 'A' loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion (the 'Term A-2 Facility' and, together with the Term A-1 Facility, the 'Term Facilities') and (c) a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1 billion (the 'Revolving Facility'). The Revolving Facility also contains a $100 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit and a $50 million sublimit for the borrowing of swing line loans. JHNAH is the borrower under the Term Facilities and JHNAH, JHIF, JHUSH and JHBP are co-borrowers under the Revolving Facility (collectively, the 'revolving credit borrowers' and, together with JHNA in its capacity as borrower under the Term Facilities, the 'borrowers'). As previously disclosed, on March 23, 2025, James Hardie and AZEK entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the 'Merger Agreement'). In connection with the merger contemplated thereby (the 'Merger'), JHNAH previously entered into a commitment letter (the 'commitment letter') with certain lenders pursuant to which such lenders committed to provide, subject to the terms and conditions therein, a 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $4.3 billion to finance a portion of the Merger and related transactions. On the effective date of the Credit Facilities (the 'Signing Date'), the commitments under the commitment letter were reduced by $2.6 billion on account of commitments represented by the Credit Facilities. No borrowings under the Revolving Facility were made on the Signing Date; however, letters of credit were issued thereunder to 'grandfather' existing letters of credit under the borrowers' existing revolving credit facility (which was repaid in full and terminated at the Signing Date). Prior to consummation of the Merger, no borrowings are available under Term Facilities and only up to $600 million (the 'Pre-Merger Revolving Facility Cap') of the commitments under the Revolving Facility are available. If the Merger is abandoned or not consummated within five business days following the termination date set forth in the Merger Agreement, or JHNAH so elects, the commitments under the Term Facilities will be reduced to zero and, thereupon, the commitments under the Revolving Facility will be automatically reduced by $400 million. If funded, the Term A-1 Facility will mature, and all obligations thereunder shall become due and payable, on the third anniversary of the Signing Date. The Term A-2 Facility (if funded) and the Revolving Facility will mature, and all obligations thereunder shall become due and payable and all commitments under the Revolving Facility will terminate, on the fifth anniversary of the Signing Date. Prior to consummation of the Merger, the revolving credit borrowers may borrow funds available under the Revolving Facility, on a revolving basis in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Pre-Merger Revolving Facility Cap, in the form of revolving loans or letters of credit, subject to certain customary conditions. Proceeds of revolving loans and letters of credit will be used to finance the working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of Holdings and its subsidiaries (including for working capital and/or purchase price adjustments, refinancings of existing debt, acquisitions and other Investments, capital expenditures, dividends and other distributions, payment of related costs, fees and expenses and any other purpose not prohibited by the Credit Agreement and related loan documents). On the date of consummation of the Merger, subject to certain customary conditions, borrowings under the Credit Facilities will be used to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable in connection with the Merger and related transactions, to repay indebtedness outstanding under AZEK's existing credit facilities and to pay costs and expenses related to the Merger and the Credit Facilities. Thereafter, the Pre-Merger Revolving Facility Cap shall be automatically removed, and borrowings under the Revolving Facility will be available for the same purposes as permitted during the period prior to consummation of the Merger. The principal amount of loans, if any, under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at JHNAH's option, either at a Term SOFR-based rate (with such customary provisions under the Credit Agreement providing for the replacement of Term SOFR with any successor rate) or an alternate base rate, in each case plus an applicable borrowing margin based on the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). With respect to the Term A-1 Facility (if funded), (i) from and after the date of consummation of the Merger and until the date that JHIF delivers a compliance certificate for the first full fiscal quarter of James Hardie occurring thereafter to the administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans will be 0.625%, and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will be 1.625%, and (ii) thereafter, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans varies from 0.25% to 0.875% and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will vary from 1.25% to 1.875%, in each case, depending on the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. With respect to the Term A-2 Facility (if funded), (i) from and after the date of consummation of the Merger and until the date that JHIF delivers a compliance certificate for the first full fiscal quarter of James Hardie occurring thereafter to the administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans will be 0.75%, and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will be 1.75%, and (ii) thereafter, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans varies from 0.375% to 1.00% and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will vary from 1.375% to 2.00%, in each case, depending on the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. With respect to the Revolving Facility (including any swing line loans), (i) from and after the Signing Date until the date that JHIF delivers a compliance certificate for the first full fiscal quarter of James Hardie occurring after the date of consummation of the Merger (or, if earlier, the date that the commitments under the Term Facilities are terminated prior to funding) to the administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans will be 0.75%, and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will be 1.75%, and (ii) thereafter, the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans varies from 0.375% to 1.00% and the applicable margin for Term SOFR-based loans will vary from 1.375% to 2.00%, in each case, depending on Holdings' Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. Unutilized commitments under the Credit Facilities are subject to a per annum fee equal to (i) from and after the Signing Date until the date that JHIF delivers a compliance certificate for the first full fiscal quarter of James Hardie occurring after the date of consummation of the Merger (or, if earlier, the date that the commitments under the Term Facilities are terminated prior to funding) to the administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, 0.25%, and (ii) thereafter, an amount that varies from 0.20% to 0.30%, depending on the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. The revolving credit borrowers are also required to pay a letter of credit fronting fee to each L/C issuer equal to 0.125% per annum of the amount available to be drawn under each such letter of credit, as well as a letter of credit fee to all lenders under the Revolving Facility equal to the applicable margin for Term SOFR under the Revolving Facility times the average daily amount available to be drawn under all outstanding letters of credit, and each letter of credit fee shall not be less than $500. The borrowers are also required to pay certain customary agency fees. The obligations under the Credit Agreement (i) are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by Holdings and each borrower (except with respect to their own obligations thereunder) and, to the extent a guarantor coverage test set forth in the Credit Agreement is unsatisfied as of any annual testing date occurring after the date of consummation of the Merger (or, if earlier, the date that the commitments under the Term Facilities are terminated prior to funding), certain future subsidiaries of Holdings (collectively, the 'Guarantors'), and (ii) are secured by a lien on the equity interests of certain direct wholly owned material U.S. restricted subsidiaries of Holdings and the borrowers that are not restricted from being pledged pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements or applicable law (subject to certain liens permitted under the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement also contains provisions providing for the release of the Collateral prior to payoff, subject to certain conditions set forth therein. The Credit Agreement requires commitments under the Term Facilities to be reduced, and loans (if funded) to be prepaid, with, (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain non-ordinary course asset sales by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries and (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain issuances, offerings or placements of indebtedness by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries, in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Term A-2 Facility will amortize, on quarterly basis, (i) during the first and second years after the date of consummation of the Merger, in an amount equal to 0.625% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans actually funded thereunder, and (b) during the third, fourth and fifth years after the after the date of consummation of the Merger, 1.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans actually funded thereunder, with the balance payable at maturity. The Credit Agreement contains usual and customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities and transactions of this type and that, among other things, restrict Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, consolidate or merge, make acquisitions and other investments, guarantee obligations of third parties, make loans or advances, declare or pay certain dividends or distributions on Holdings' stock, redeem or repurchase shares of Holdings' stock, and engage in transactions with affiliates. These covenants are subject to a number of qualifications and limitations, each of which are set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains a springing equal and ratable provision to the extent additional collateral secures certain material credit facility and bond debt for borrowed money, on terms and subject to exceptions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to pay principal and interest, failure to comply with covenants, agreements or conditions, certain amendments by James Hardie to the AFFA and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency involving Holdings and its material subsidiaries. In connection with its entry into the Credit Agreement, JHNAH entered into a rate swap agreement with Bank of America N.A. to fix the 3 month Term SOFR at 3.79% on a $1.0 billion notional amount through June of 2028. For more information on the proposed transaction with The AZEK Company Inc please see The information included on, or accessible through, such website is not incorporated by reference into this communication. Cautionary Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this communication that are not historical facts are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements about: the proposed transaction between the Company and AZEK (the 'Transaction'), including estimated synergies, and the expected timing of completion of the Transaction; the Company's future performance or expectations; the Company's plans, objectives or goals; and the Credit Facilities, borrowings thereunder, use of proceeds thereof, related swap transactions and any other financing transactions related to the Transaction. Words such as 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'plan,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'target,' 'estimate,' 'project,' 'predict,' 'trend,' 'forecast,' 'guideline,' 'aim,' 'objective,' 'will,' 'should,' 'could,' 'likely,' 'continue,' 'may,' 'objective,' 'outlook' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements of James Hardie and AZEK, respectively, are based on the current expectations, estimates and assumptions of James Hardie and AZEK, respectively, and, because forward-looking statements address future results, events and conditions, they, by their very nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond the control of James Hardie or AZEK. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results, performance or other achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed, projected or implied by forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties relating to the Transaction, including, but not limited to, the possibility that required regulatory approvals for the Transaction or approval of the Transaction by AZEK's stockholders and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the possible occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of either or both of James Hardie and AZEK to terminate the merger agreement providing for the Transaction; possible negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the Transaction on the market price of James Hardie's and/or AZEK's shares and/or on their respective businesses, financial conditions, results of operations and financial performance; uncertainties as to access to financing (including financing for the Transaction) on a timely basis and on reasonable terms; the impact of the additional indebtedness the Company would incur in connection with the Transaction; risks relating to the value of the James Hardie shares to be issued in the Transaction and the contemplated listing arrangements for James Hardie shares and depositary interests following the Transaction; risks relating to significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities; the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits from the Transaction cannot be realized in full or at all or may take longer to realize than expected; risks associated with contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the Transaction; risks associated with Transaction-related litigation; the possibility that costs or difficulties related to the integration of James Hardie's and AZEK's businesses will be greater than expected; the risk that the Transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the parties' relationships with its and their employees and other business partners, including suppliers and customers; the potential for the Transaction to divert the time and attention of management from ongoing business operations; the potential for contractual restrictions under the merger agreement providing for the Transaction to adversely affect the parties' ability to pursue other business opportunities or strategic transactions; the risk of other Transaction related disruptions to the businesses, including business plans and operations, of James Hardie and AZEK; and the possibility that, as a result of the Transaction or otherwise, James Hardie could lose its foreign private issuer status and be required to bear the costs and expenses related to full compliance with rules and regulations that apply to U.S. domestic issuers. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will in fact be consummated in the manner described or at all. These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause James Hardie's, AZEK's or the combined company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, could also harm James Hardie's, AZEK's or the combined company's results. The foregoing discussion of risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive; other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those referenced in any forward looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to James Hardie, AZEK or the combined company, or persons acting on James Hardie's or AZEK's behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward looking statements in this communication speak only as of the date of this communication and are statements of then current expectations concerning future results, events and conditions. Neither James Hardie nor AZEK assumes any obligation to update any forward looking statements or information except as required by law. If James Hardie or AZEK updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that James Hardie or AZEK will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Further information regarding James Hardie, AZEK and factors that could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein can be found in James Hardie's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and in its other documents filed or furnished with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), and in AZEK's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, and in its other documents filed or furnished with the SEC. Important Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed transaction between James Hardie and AZEK, James Hardie has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (SEC File No. 333-286977), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus, that serves as a proxy statement of AZEK and as a prospectus of James Hardie, and each party has filed and may file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on May 29, 2025, and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus was sent to AZEK stockholders on or about May 29, 2025. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available, because they contain or will contain important information. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by James Hardie or AZEK through the SEC's website at Copies of documents filed with the SEC by James Hardie will be available from James Hardie free of charge on James Hardie's website at or upon request submitted to James Hardie by e‑mail addressed to Copies of documents filed with the SEC by AZEK will be available from AZEK free of charge on AZEK's website at or upon request submitted to AZEK by mail addressed to The AZEK Company Inc., Attention: Corporate Secretary, 1330 W Fulton Street #350, Chicago, Illinois 60607. The information included on, or accessible through, James Hardie's or AZEK's website is not incorporated by reference into this communication. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Dublin Live
Liverpool crash suspect's neighbours tell of horror as they say 'it doesn't make sense'
Neighbours have been left in shock as the man suspected of causing the Liverpool victory parade crash, which left nearly 80 injured, is described as a 'nice family' bloke. Locals from the quiet cul-de-sac where the suspect resides with his wife and three young sons expressed their disbelief to the Mirror, saying: "It just doesn't make sense." The 53 year old man from West Derby was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving, with Merseyside Police confirming the number of casualties has climbed to 79, including seven still in hospital. The jubilant scenes for Liverpool FC's title-winning parade were shattered on Monday evening when a Ford Galaxy careered into revellers in the city centre, sending fans flying and prams hurtling down Water Street in terrifying footage. As police maintained a presence outside his £300,000 four-bedroom house, the suspect's identity became known, although the Mirror has opted not to reveal his name, reports the Mirror. A neighbour recounted: "It seems completely out of character. They are such a nice family, the boys are really nice and well-behaved. [He] is a fantastic guy. He came over to help us when our alarm went off once, and then did the same for our immediate neighbours too. "It just doesn't make sense. It doesn't feel right. They are lovely. The whole thing is so sad - for his wife and children and also for the people who were injured." (Image: AP) The suspect, a former director of two companies, can be seen in affectionate snaps on social media, enjoying family holidays abroad and festive gatherings. Another local resident shared their shock when they saw police swarm their peaceful cul-de-sac on Monday. They had made light-hearted comments about a neighbour being the suspect, only to be horrified when he was indeed arrested. "We turned in and there were three or four police cars at the top of our road and we just said 'Blimey, imagine if he is on our road' and that was it and now we are gobsmacked." Police are anticipated to charge the suspect soon. The force has not disclosed what substances they suspect the driver had consumed. In an update today, Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson stated: "I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from this dreadful incident. "We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing enquiries we are identifying more individuals who were injured. "We turned in and there were three or four police cars on the top of our road and we just said 'Oh my God, imagine if he is on our road' and that was it and now we are like s***" Among the injured was new father Daniel Eveson, who feared his small family were "going to die" when his son's pram was dragged 15ft in the chaos. The shaken dad, aged 36, said the driver was screaming and appeared "delirious" after fans pulled him from behind the wheel to prevent him from causing further harm. "He was just screaming, 'get off, get away.' He seemed delirious, he just seemed like he didn't know where he was. It's a miracle that no one lost their lives." Daniel, from Telford, Shrops, added it was nothing short of a "miracle" that his family survived and has now dubbed his five month old baby boy 'Super Ted' after he escaped completely unscathed. "He's our miracle. He's 'Super Ted'. I keep crying every time I hold him. I can't believe we've still got him, he didn't even break a finger," Daniel told The Mirror. He recounted how his fiancée Sheree Aldridge, 36, is also "getting better" following the terrifying incident which saw her leg ran over by the car, leading to muscle and tissue damage as well as lacerations. Describing the harrowing moment, he revealed: "I basically held the pram but the pram got taken out of my hands and my hands went on the bonnet to try and stop the car. Then Sheree went up on the bonnet and then dropped off and then went under it. "I looked to my side to see her and she just wasn't there," he continued, emotionally breaking down and expressing: "Oh my God it was just horrible. I just want justice." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What we know about the Liverpool car suspect
Police are continuing to question a driver accused of ploughing his car into a crowd at Liverpool FC's victory parade. The 53-year-old man is currently in custody following his arrest shortly after the incident on Water Street on bank holiday Monday evening. The extension to question the man came in on Wednesday, and remains until later today, Merseyside Police said. A force spokesman said seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition after the collision and they had identified 79 people who were injured in the incident. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: 'I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened. 'In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.' Merseyside Police quickly described the suspect as a 53-year-old white British man following his arrest. They have since said that he is from West Derby in Liverpool. Police have not revealed any more about the suspect but reports in the media have given more details on who he is. The Telegraph reports that the suspect is a married father-of-three who is a company director and has previously run multiple businesses. Neighbours told the paper he was active and well travelled, holidaying in several different exotic locations. Another neighbour told The Times that he was a 'genuinely pleasant family man'. The Daily Mail reports that the suspect's children are all teenagers, and police have been parked outside his detached home since his arrest. Currently, the police have not charged the suspect with anything while they continue to question him. However, a force spokesperson said on Wednesday that he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. Attempted murder carries a sentence range of three to 40 years, with the maximum being life imprisonment. The punishment for dangerous driving could be an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to 14 years in prison, while drug driving could see someone given a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. Police typically do not release the identity of a suspect after they have been arrested, so it is not unusual that we don't know who the Liverpool suspect is yet. In recent years, courts have held that individuals who have been arrested usually have a right to privacy before they are charged with an offence. The College of Policing advise against naming suspects until they are formally charged, except in specific cases – such as when public safety is at risk or to aid an investigation. Additionally, data protection laws, including GDPR, restrict sharing personal information unless justified. Naming someone too early could also prejudice ongoing investigations or future court proceedings by influencing witnesses or public opinion. In high-profile cases, police may delay identification to manage media attention and ensure a fair process. However, once someone is charged, their identity is often made public, as court proceedings are generally open to the public. There was noticeably more information issued by the police immediately after the incident on Monday than would be expected. However, this came following criticism levelled at Merseyside Police for their lack of information in the aftermath of the Southport knife attacks last year. One of Merseyside Police's former inspectors, Peter Williams, a senior lecturer in policing at Liverpool John Moores University, said the force had adopted a "complete step change" in how it shares information. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday: '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 [Crown Prosecution Service], in relation to how the management of information was sort of dealt with.' Williams said that the force may have been mindful of how information was handled by Lancashire Constabulary in the disappearance of Nicola Bulley in January 2023, which led to a College of Policing inquiry. Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu told BBC Radio 5 Live that the decision to release so much information about the suspect was 'unprecedented'. He said: 'It's remarkably striking because police will not release that kind of information because they'll be worried about prejudicing any future trial, but I think they have to balance that against the potential of public disorder.' Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also said forces will more often have to release personal details about suspects earlier. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'In general, I think we have to be realistic and more often… put more personal details in public, earlier.' He added that we are in an age of citizen journalism and 'some content will be all over social media very, very quickly' and people will be 'making guesses and inferences' so 'in that world, putting more facts out is the only way to deal with it'.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Liverpool crash suspect's neighbours reveal what dad of three is like – 'Doesn't make sense'
Liverpool crash suspect's neighbours reveal what dad of three is like – 'Doesn't make sense' The suspected driver in the Liverpool victory parade horror crash has been described by neighbours as a "nice family" man - despite the injured now totalling almost 80 A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Liverpool parade crash that has injured 79 people (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images ) The suspected driver in the Liverpool parade crash has been described by shocked neighbours as a man from a nice family. Residents in the calm and quiet cul-de-sac where the driver lives with his wife and three sons told the Mirror that the horror incident "just doesn't make sense". Authorities were granted more time to question the 53-year-old suspect from the West Derby area of the city after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving. Merseyside Police confirmed that the total number of injured has risen to 79, with seven still recovering from their wounds on Tuesday. The festivities marking Liverpool's Premier League triumph came to a harrowing end when a Ford Galaxy smashed into crowds in the city centre. Terrifying footage depicted supporters being flung upwards, pulled under the wheels and pushchairs thrown along Water Street. As police guarded his £300,000 four-bedroom home, the suspect's name surfaced to the public. However, we have chosen to conceal his identity. One neighbour said: "It seems completely out of character. They are such a nice family, the boys are really nice and well-behaved. [He] is a fantastic guy. He came over to help us when our alarm went off once, and then did the same for our immediate neighbours too. "It just doesn't make sense. It doesn't feel right. They are lovely. The whole thing is so sad - for his wife and children and also for the people who were injured." The suspect, a former director of two companies, can be seen in affectionate photos on social media, enjoying family holidays abroad and social gatherings. Another neighbour shared their shock when they saw police swarm their peaceful cul-de-sac on Monday. The individual had joked about a neighbour being the suspect, only to be horrified when he was indeed arrested. Police can be seen taking the alleged suspect away from the scene of the crash (Image: Video supplied ) They added: "We turned in and there were three or four police cars at the top of our road and we just said, 'Oh my God, imagine if he is on our road' and that was it and now we are like, 'S***.'" Police are expected to charge the suspect soon. The force has not disclosed what drugs they suspect the driver had consumed. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson provided an update on Wednesday, saying: "I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident. "We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing enquiries we are identifying more people who were injured. I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened." The car can be seen surging through crowds in horrifying footage (Image: @EFC5555/X ) Among the injured was new father Daniel Eveson, who feared his family were "going to die" when his son's pram was dragged 15ft in the chaos. The shaken father said that the driver was screaming and "delirious" after fans pulled him from behind the wheel to prevent him from causing further harm. Daniel said: "He was just screaming, 'Get off, get away.' He seemed delirious. He just seemed like he didn't know where he was. It's a miracle that no one lost their lives." The 36-year-old from Telford, Shropshire, added that it was nothing short of a "miracle" that his family survived. He has now dubbed his five-month-old baby boy 'Super Ted' after he escaped completely unscathed. Police are continuing their investigations into the horror crash (Image: AP ) "He's our miracle. He's 'Super Ted'. I keep crying every time I hold him. I'm overwhelmed with relief that we've still got him, he didn't even break a finger," Daniel shared. Daniel revealed that his 36-year-old fiancée, Sheree Aldridge, is also "on the mend" after the car ran over her leg, causing muscle and tissue damage and lacerations. He added: "I basically held the pram but the pram got taken out of my hands and my hands went on the bonnet to try and stop the car. Article continues below "Then Sheree went up on the bonnet and then dropped off and then went under it. I looked to my side to see her and she just wasn't there," he said, before breaking down in tears and adding: "Oh my God, it was just horrible. I just want justice."
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Neighbours of Liverpool crash suspect speak out as wife 'found out on TV'
The neighbours of a man arrested over the Liverpool trophy parade horror have spoken out. Around one million Liverpool FC fans lined the city's streets to celebrate their side's Premier League success on Monday. However, at approximately 6pm, the joyous scenes turned to horror as a Ford Galaxy followed an ambulance into the crowd on Water Street before ploughing into the gathered supporters. Merseyside Police have reported that 79 individuals were injured in the incident, with seven still hospitalised as of Wednesday afternoon. Among the victims were children. Authorities have been granted additional time to interrogate a 53-year-old 'white British' man from West Derby, Liverpool, who has been held in custody since Monday evening on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. The suspect's identity came to light as police were stationed outside his £300,000 family home, according to the Mirror. His name cannot currently be disclosed. Stunned locals described the suspect as being part of a 'nice family', sharing that he resides at home with his children and wife. One neighbour said: "It seems completely out of character. They are such a nice family, the [children] are really nice and well-behaved. "[He] is a fantastic guy. He came over to help us when our alarm went off once, and then did the same for our immediate neighbours too. "It just doesn't make sense. It doesn't feel right. They are lovely. The whole thing is so sad - for his wife and children and also for the people who were injured." The suspect, believed to be a former company director, can be seen posing in loved-up pictures on social media enjoying overseas family holidays and family parties. One neighbour also 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." Another neighbour added that when they saw police descend on the quiet cul-de-sac on Monday they had joked about a neighbour being the suspect - only to discover in horror he had been arrested. They said: "We turned in and there were three or four police cars on the top of our road and we just said 'Oh my God, imagine if he is on our road' and that was it and now we are like s***"." The suspect is yet to be charged. Merseyside Police has not revealed what drugs they believe the driver had taken. In an update issued on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: "I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident. "We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing enquiries we are identifying more people who were injured. "I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened." Among those injured was new dad Daniel Eveson, who thought his little family were 'going to die' when his son's buggy was dragged 15ft in the carnage. The traumatised dad, 36, said the driver was screaming and 'delirious' after fans pulled him from behind the wheel to stop him going any further. Daniel said: "He was just screaming, 'get off, get away.' He seemed delirious, he just seemed like he didn't know where he was. It's a miracle that no one lost their lives." Daniel, from Telford, Shropshire, added it was nothing short of a 'miracle' that his family survived and has now dubbed his five month old baby boy 'Super Ted' after he escaped completely unscathed. He added: "He's our miracle. He's 'Super Ted'. I keep crying every time I hold him. I can't believe we've still got him, he didn't even break a finger." Daniel told how his fiancée Sheree Aldridge, 36, is also 'getting better' after the car ran over her leg, leaving her with muscle and tissue damage and lacerations. He said: "I basically held the pram but the pram got taken out of my hands and my hands went on the bonnet to try and stop the car. Then Sheree went up on the bonnet and then dropped off and then went under it." "I looked to my side to see her and she just wasn't there," he said, breaking down in tears and adding: "Oh my God it was just horrible. I just want justice."
