A car rammed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during the club’s Premier League trophy parade, causing chaos and injuries in the city centre. The incident occurred as thousands of fans gathered along Water Street to celebrate Liverpool FC’s recent title victory.
Police responded quickly after receiving reports of a vehicle colliding with multiple pedestrians shortly after 6 pm. The driver, a 53-year-old man from the local area, was arrested at the scene. Emergency services arrived promptly to tend to those affected.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. Natasha Rinaldi was watching the celebrations from a friend’s window when she suddenly heard screams. “It was so loud. People sounded desperate,” she recalled. Looking out, she saw the car had struck people in the crowd. Panic erupted as some onlookers attempted to stop the vehicle and apprehend the driver. Police officers worked to keep the crowd back, but the atmosphere was one of confusion and fear.
Harry Rashid, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, said the incident happened just feet away from his family. He described a grey people carrier speeding along Water Street before crashing into pedestrians. “It was extremely fast,” he said. Rashid added that the car initially stalled after hitting people but then accelerated again, hitting more bystanders. “It was horrible. My daughter started screaming, and there were people on the ground,” he said.
Another witness, Chelsea Yuen, who was also out celebrating Liverpool’s win, narrowly avoided being hit herself. Walking along the crowded street, she heard beeping and screaming and saw a black people carrier driving directly toward her group. She and her friend quickly moved out of the way, pulling her young daughter to safety. Yuen noticed the vehicle’s windows were smashed as people chased after it in the aftermath. “I’m just in shock. Like we can’t stop shaking,” she said.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were on the scene, working with other emergency responders to assess and treat the injured. Details of the victims’ injuries have not been released, but the situation was described as serious.
The incident drew widespread condemnation and expressions of sympathy from public figures. The Prime Minister called the scenes “appalling,” sending thoughts to those injured or affected, and praised the emergency services for their swift response. The Home Secretary also expressed shock and gratitude to the police and emergency teams handling the situation. Political leaders emphasized the importance of allowing the police to carry out their investigation without interference.
Liverpool FC issued a statement offering their “thoughts and prayers” to everyone affected and pledged full support to the emergency services and local authorities. The Premier League described the events as “appalling” and said it was shocked by what happened during the celebrations.
Liverpool City Region Mayor expressed his condolences to those injured and their families, acknowledging the difficulty of the day for the city. He stressed the community’s solidarity in the face of such a traumatic event. Local representatives echoed these sentiments, hoping for the safety and recovery of all involved.
As investigations continue, police remain on high alert and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring the city can begin to heal after what has been a distressing and violent disruption to what should have been a joyous occasion.
