Driver Arrested After Car Rams Liverpool Parade Crowd, 65 Injured

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — A 53-year-old British man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after his car collided with pedestrians during a Liverpool soccer victory parade on Sunday. The crash injured 65 people, leading to 50 hospitalizations.

The incident took place around late afternoon on Water Street, just as the celebration for Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League championship concluded. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill confirmed that the driver is also facing charges of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

According to Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, the driver managed to access the closed road by following an ambulance attending to someone experiencing a suspected heart attack. This temporary lifting of the roadblock allowed the driver to race into the crowd of fans celebrating the team’s 20th title.

Police reported that 11 of the injured remained hospitalized on Tuesday but were in stable condition. Among the injured were four children, one trapped beneath the vehicle with three adults.

Merseyside Police stated they are not treating the incident as terrorism and are not searching for additional suspects. As is customary in the U.K., the identity of the arrested driver has not been released pending formal charges.

The scene was chaotic, with people fleeing as the minivan sped through the crowd, knocking several individuals to the ground. Eyewitness Harry Rashid described hearing the sounds of people being struck by the vehicle.

In response to the incident, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement expressing his outrage and gratitude toward the emergency services for their prompt response. He stated, “Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation.”

King Charles III also remarked on the tragedy, expressing his condolences and belief in the community spirit of Liverpool to support those affected. “It is truly devastating,” he said.

The Premier League expressed shock at the events, offering support to Liverpool FC. Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasized the need to address misinformation circulating on social media following the incident, warning against fueling discord within the community.

The investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to gather details about the circumstances surrounding the crash. Memories of Liverpool’s tragic history in soccer loom large, prompting broader concerns about safety at public events.