Everything we know as car crashes into fans during Liverpool FC parade

A total of 65 people have been injured after a car was able to tailgate an ambulance through a temporarily lifted roadblock before ploughing into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC’s victory parade.

It is believed the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow the crew through a road block which had been temporarily lifted as it went to attend to someone suffering a heart attack.

The driver, a 53-year-old man, who was detained after the “horror” incident in Water Street, in Liverpool, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving.

He remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident, with more than 50 treated in different hospitals.

A total of 11 people remained there in a stable condition, she added.

It is believed one of those who was hit during the accident had to undergo major surgery, and at least one child was seriously hurt.

Footage of the incident, which was circulating online appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street as the parade neared its end point.

Here is what we know so far from the events of Monday 26 May.

2.30pm - Liverpool FC victory parade makes it way through Liverpool

Hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans packed out the city centre as the club celebrated their Premier League victory with a parade.

Supporters took up every available vantage point along the 15km open-top bus route, as it began at 2.30pm and culminated on The Strand near to the city's famous Liver Building.

6pm - car ploughs into crowds on Water Street

A car, described by witnesses as a "grey people carrier" enters Water Street, adjacent to The Strand - where the parade was ending - and begins to drive at the crowds.

Police later said it is believed he "tailgated an ambulance", attempting to follow it as it moved through the crowd as a roadblock was lifted to allow it to attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims has said it is believed that the car was able to follow an ambulance.

She told a press conference at Merseyside Police headquarters: “It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.

Footage of the incident, circulating online, appears to show the vehicle then speed up as it veers into pedestrians on both sides.

People in the crowd are seen following to attempt to get close to the driver, with one managing to open the driver’s car door.

Videos then appeared to show the driver close the car door before suddenly speeding up and veering into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street.

The clips posted on social media then showed people from the crowds attempt to chase the driver – with some kicking the vehicle and smashing the back window.

Officers quickly surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police.

The scene on Water Street. Credit: PA Images

Shortly after 6pm - man arrested

Emergency services begin receiving calls, and officers surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver.

A 53-year-old white, British man from the West Derby area was eventually arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit through drugs after the parade incident.

He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

She told a press conference: “The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.

“We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.

“Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.

“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.

“What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.

“The incident is not being treated as terrorism.”

Credit: PA Images

Multiple fans injured

A total of 65 fans are injured in the incident - 50 people were taken to hospital - with 11 remaining in a stable condition - at least four children were among the injured.

Two of those taken to hospital, including one of the children, suffered serious injuries.

Firefighters rescued four people, including a child, who were trapped under the car.

Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer said: “On arrival, the crews were met with numerous injured… and four persons trapped under a vehicle.

“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed three adults and one child from beneath and passed them to our ambulance service colleagues.

“We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible.”

The scene on Water Street on Tuesday morning 27 May. Credit: PA Images

Tuesday morning - 27 May

Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said four people are still “very, very ill in hospital” following the incident.

He said: “The actual incident in Water Street will live with those people for all the wrong reasons, and that’s where we have to really focus our minds.

“There are still four people who are very, very ill in hospital and we are hoping of course that they pull through very, very quickly.”

It is understood at least one patient in hospital had to have major surgery, as all continued to recover through the night.

A police cordon remains in place on Water Street, stretching back past the Town Hall, along Dale Street to Moorfields, where traffic was being diverted away from the road.

A police van was parked in front of a blue tent on the road with officers were stationed along the street.

Empty bottles and cans littered the road and a Liverpool flag was attached to the top of traffic lights.

The Strand had been reopened to traffic as usual.

Tuesday afternoon - 27 May

Medical staff who treated those injured have told the Princess Royal they were “very, very fortunate” there were not more major injuries.

Princess Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where she met nurses, consultants and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club.

Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky told Anne the injuries were not “major traumas”.

He said: “We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say.”

Consultant Jay Rathore added: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”

The King, who is currently visiting Canada, also released a statement, saying "the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need".

Credit: PA Images

What questions are still to be answered?

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram says the car which ploughed into a crowd should not have been on the road and the “big question” is how the incident happened.

Speaking to reporters at the scene Mr Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.

He said: “Water Street was not a route where vehicles were supposed to be using it, it was blocked off.

“At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards The Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway.

“The questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what they’re doing.”

Questions are being asked as to how a car was able to drive into crowds and injure dozens of people, but no clear answers have yet emerged.

What has been said?

Liverpool FC said in a statement that the club was in “direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” a post on X read.

“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”

Well-wishes flowed from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City.

In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.”

He later added: “Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.

“They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events.

“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.”

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