Liverpool parade: Everything we know after dozens injured in collision
A man has been arrested after a car ploughed into pedestrians in Liverpool city centre, as the football club celebrated their Premier League title victory nearby.
Wednesday 28 May 2025 14:35, UK
Four children are among dozens of people injured after a car ploughed through crowds at Liverpool FC's trophy parade.
Thousands of fans lined the streets on Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate the club winning the Premier League title.
Videos show a people carrier travelling at speed and driving into a throng of people, trapping four people underneath.
Almost 80 people were injured. Several of them have sustained serious injuries, but no deaths have been reported.
Here is everything we know.
What happened?
The incident unfolded around 6pm on Water Street in the city centre - near Liverpool Town Hall and the Liver Building - about a mile from the end point of Liverpool FC's victory parade.
The bus, which was carrying the club's players, had passed the street 20 minutes before police received calls of the vehicle driving into crowds.
The force believe the vehicle which struck pedestrians had followed an ambulance crew that was attending to someone suffering a heart attack, after a road block was temporarily lifted.
A 53-year-old white British man, who is believed to be the driver, was arrested at the scene, and is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said on Monday evening the "horrific incident" was not being treated as terrorism.
Four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters.
In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Merseyside Police said seven people remained in hospital in a stable condition following the collision.
They added they were in contact with 79 people who were injured in the crash - an increase on the 65 people who were confirmed injured in the force's previous update.
They also said they had been given extra time to question the suspect, meaning they would have until into Thursday to interrogate him after his arrest on Monday.
'We heard beeping and screaming'
Eyewitnesses have described the "frantic" moment the car sped into the crowd.
One of those was Chelsea Yuen, who told Sky News the people carrier drove straight towards her, along with her friend Francesca and her daughter.
"We were literally like sardines walking up the street, and then we heard beeping and screaming," she said.
"Me and my friend Francesca jumped out of the way and pulled her little girl out the way."
Ms Yuen said she could see the windows of the car had been smashed in, and she witnessed people begging the police to intervene.
"I'm just in shock," she added. "We can't stop shaking."
Natasha Rinaldi had been watching the parade from her friend's living room window.
She told Sky News that "people sounded desperate" as the car sped towards the crowds.
"Some of my friends were down there and the car was so near them," she added. "It was a horrible scene."
Ms Rinaldi added: "We still don't understand what happened, how it happened, why it happened."
What has the response been?
Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes as "appalling" and praised the "remarkable bravery" of police and emergency services.
The prime minister said: "Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
"The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times.
"Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper thanked police and called the incident "truly shocking and horrendous".
"Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I'm being kept updated on developments," she said.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was "sickening" to hear children are among the injured.
"It doesn't matter if this is or isn't classed as a terrorist incident, it's still a heinous crime. Those who target joyful celebrations and our happiest moments, who care not for the welfare of little children are beneath contempt," she wrote on X.
"A stark contrast to the people of Liverpool who responded with extraordinary compassion, offering lifts, shelter, food, and more.
"Liverpool stood firm, displaying kindness and decency in the face of horror."
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Liverpool Football Club said it was in contact with Merseyside Police and would "continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident".
Anfield's rivals Everton FC said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city."