A 53-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly driving his car into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Monday evening, injuring nearly 50 people in the city centre.
Merseyside Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism, with the suspect believed to have acted alone.
According to the BBC, emergency services transported 27 people to hospitals across Liverpool, including a child and an adult who sustained serious injuries.
An additional 20 individuals, including four children, received treatment at the scene. A paramedic on a bicycle was also struck, but thankfully did not suffer serious harm.
Police were called to the scene around 6pm local time after reports of a vehicle colliding with parade attendees. A man from the Liverpool area, aged 53, was promptly detained and remains in custody.
In a press conference later that evening, Merseyside Police reassured the public, stating: “We are not currently treating this as a terrorist incident and are not seeking anyone else in connection.” They confirmed that the incident appears to be isolated.
Liverpool FC responded swiftly with a statement expressing deep concern, saying the club is in “direct contact with Merseyside Police” and extending thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the event as “appalling” in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), commending the swift action of emergency services and urging the public to support police investigations.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the event “truly shocking and horrendous,” while Liverpool City Council said it is “actively liaising” with authorities as the investigation unfolds.
The Premier League also voiced its sorrow, stating: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected.”
Messages of support poured in from across the footballing world. Manchester United issued a rare message of solidarity, saying: “Our thoughts are with Liverpool and the city of Liverpool after today’s awful incident.” Local rivals Everton FC echoed this, saying: “Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.”
