Liverpool Parade Horror: Driver Arrested After Car Plows Into Crowd

LIVERPOOL, England — A man has been arrested in connection with a horrific incident during Liverpool FC‘s title-winning parade, where a car drove into a crowd, injuring 79 people, seven of whom remain hospitalized. The events unfolded on Monday evening when a Ford Galaxy vehicle broke through a crowd of fans celebrating the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years.

Police have named the suspect as 53-year-old Paul Desmond Sanders Doyle, a local businessman from West Derby. He is accused of attempted murder and driving under the influence of drugs. Merseyside Police have been granted additional time to question Doyle as they investigate the full circumstances of the incident.

The chaos erupted shortly after 6 p.m. as fans gathered near Water Street. Eyewitness footage shows people being tossed into the air and a child’s buggy reportedly dragged 15 feet. One witness, Daniel Eveson, described a scene of devastation as he feared for the lives of his family. “It’s a miracle that no one lost their lives,” he said, reflecting on how his five-month-old son escaped unharmed.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson provided an update, assuring the public, “The number of people being treated in hospitals is decreasing. We are making significant progress in our investigation.” She added that police are reviewing several videos, including CCTV footage, to gather information about the driver’s actions.

Descriptions of Doyle from neighbors paint a stark contrast to the event, as some referred to him as a “nice family man.” One neighbor said, “It just doesn’t make sense,” expressing disbelief that the individual they knew could be involved in such a tragedy.

According to police, the Ford Galaxy may have followed an ambulance through a temporarily lifted roadblock meant to assist a member of the public experiencing a medical emergency. The investigation will explore how the vehicle, which was not supposed to be on the closed street, was able to enter.

As the community grapples with this tragic event, Liverpool’s metro mayor, Steve Rotheram, and other officials are demanding answers about security measures during public celebrations, stating that vehicular access to the area should not have been possible.

On Tuesday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to visit the scene to meet with emergency responders. Meanwhile, the city continues to support the victims and their families, emphasizing the devastating impact of the parade’s abrupt end.