Several people have been injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of jubilant Liverpool fans during their Premier League victory parade this evening.
The shocking incident unfolded just after 6pm on Water Street in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, as thousands of fans packed the streets to celebrate their team’s triumphant season.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes, with dramatic images showing police cordons, litter strewn across the road, and a strong presence of officers, ambulances and fire engines.
The car, described by witnesses as ‘beeping’ as it made its way through the crowds, eventually came to a halt at the scene. A ’53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area’ was swiftly detained by police.
Multiple people were reportedly injured, with four people being seen taken away on stretchers, while another man was pictured leaning heavily on a police officer for support.
Authorities say both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper are being kept fully briefed on the developing situation, while officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are supporting Merseyside Police in the investigation.
Witnesses described hearing the horrifying screams of victims and the sickening thud of bodies being flung over the bonnet as the car accelerated into the tightly packed crowd on the narrow street.
The vehicle accelerated veering right then left, travelling across the street mounting the pavement, hitting men, women and even a baby, witnesses said.
A large emergency service presence is pictured on Water Street during the Liverpool Trophy Parade
A car collided with a crowd of Liverpool fans at their Premier League trophy parade on Monday
A fan is assisted by fire fighters at an incident involving a car and supporters
Police immediately swarmed to attendance and cordoned off the area on Water Street
Police officers investigate the scene of an incident in Water Street, on the sidelines of an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool’s Premier League title win
A ’53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area’ was swiftly detained by police
Authorities say both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper are being kept fully briefed on the developing situation
Pictured: The man who was driving the car in Liverpool
Pictured: The man who was driving the car in Liverpool
When the car eventually slowed to a stop, angry fans surged forward hitting it, throwing bottles, screaming ‘kill him’ as others attempted to lift the vehicle to rescue pedestrians trapped under the wheels.
Within seconds, the driver was dragged from his seat before police intervened.
The shocking incident took place only days after a run in one of the city’s parks to commemorate the lives of the Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
Ninety-seven football fans were fatally injured in a terrace crush at an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989
Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision.
He said: ‘It happened about 10 feet away from us. We were just in a crowd and we had no control over where we would be, because it was a very narrow street.
‘The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up. This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us.
‘It was travelling south, down Water Street, straight towards this strand, which is where the docks are.
‘It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.’
Emergency services rush to the scene
Police attend to an injured person at the scene
Crowds swarm around the car
PM Keir Starmer said: ‘The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
‘I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
‘I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.’
The terrifying scenes unfolded just hours after Liverpool FC’s trophy parade got underway at 2:30pm, with stars including Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah leading celebrations atop the open-top bus.
A large blue tent has since been erected in Water Street with two fire engines parked in front to help preserve evidence at the scene.
Local restaurants have also been opening their doors to help those injured after the incident.
Paddy Edrich, a reporter at the Liverpool Post, said that people are being given medical attention inside a nearby Italian restaurant.
Posting on X, he wrote: ‘People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs. Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services.’
Chelsea Yuen, who was out celebrating Liverpool’s title win when the incident took place, spoke to Sky News.
She had been walking up Water Street with her friend and their partner when they had a near miss with the car itself.
‘We were literally like sardines walking up the street, and then we heard beeping and screaming and when we looked up, there was a black, people carrier, driving straight towards us,’ she said.
‘Me and my friend Francesca jumped out the way and pulled her little girl out the way.’
One victim, Frankie, 24, who survived the Manchester Arena bombing said. ‘I was at the Manchester Arena incident. I don’t want to go out again. The side of the car went into me and I fell to the floor.
‘It’s all a blur. I’ve got cuts and bruises and I’ll be fine but there’s loads who have got more severe injuries.’
Another eyewitness said: ‘It’s horrific. He must have run over about 20 to 30 people. I saw it and only survived because I got into a side street.
‘The police dragged the (driver) out and arrested him straight way.’
Police assist at the scene on Water Street
Police officers cover area with an inflatable tent to preserve evidence
Police officers cover area with an inflatable tent to preserve evidence
A video later emerged online showing the distressing moment the car went through the crowd
Police had to intervene and restrain people who were ‘smashing’ the car that hit crowds in Water Street, a witness said.
Daniel Jones, 28, told the Sun: ‘A lot of people were evidently really angry. They were smashing [the car] up. Police were trying to restrain them.
‘The back of the window was completely smashed. Everyone was just jumping onto that car, trying to jump on that car because officers were trying to restrain them.
‘They were ripping the register plate off. The back window was broken when the [driver] was still in it.’
Matt Cole, a BBC reporter who attended the parade with his family, said: ‘I was there with my family. We had just moments before watched fireworks going off and celebrations, the Liverpool bus passing us on the Strand.
‘There were screams ahead of us and suddenly this dark blue car just came through the crowd.
‘It just wasn’t stopping. I managed to grab my daughter who was with me and jump out of the way.
‘It missed myself and my family by literally inches. We then turned and watched what happened momentarily behind us before running.’
Liverpool FC statement read: ‘We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.
‘We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.’
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher wrote on X: ‘Devastating end to the day… just pray everyone is ok’, while ex-Reds striker Robbie Fowler posted: ‘Heartbreaking news… absolutely sickened with what’s happened here in Liverpool.’
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram said: ‘Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action.
‘This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.’
A Liverpool city council spokesperson said: ‘We are currently liaising with Merseyside Police regarding an incident on Water Street in the city centre. Updates to follow.’
A statement from North West Ambulance read: ‘NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision.
‘We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible’.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, police confirmed: ‘We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
‘We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 26 May, following reports a car had been in a collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street.
‘The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained. Emergency services are currently on the scene. We will issue more updates as we have them’.
The incident marred a day which was intended for celebration among Liverpool supporters after their club sealed a historic 20th league title.
Images on social media showed distressed fans and police at the scene in Liverpool
An emergency service presence is pictured as members of the public react on Water Street
Hundreds of police officers rushed to the scene amid panic and distress from supporters
Liverpool fans lined the streets in their thousands to celebrate the club’s Premier League title
Mohamed Salah waved to supporters who cheered him and his team-mates earlier in the day
The parade followed a 10-mile route. It started at Allerton Maze, heading north along Queens Drive in a similar route to the one used in 2019 – when the Reds won their last league title.
There were a number of road closures due to the event, with Liverpool City Council strongly recommending that people did not drive.
Liverpool’s bus for the parade was lined with the word ‘champions’, with an image of the Premier League trophy and the word’s ‘ours again’ also included.
Flares are understood not to have been allowed on an number of trains around the city, but that didn’t stop fans letting them off as the parade passed.
Reds owner John W Henry wrapped up as he took his spot on the bus, potentially questioning the British weather.
Players took it in turns to lift up the trophy – some held up by others atop the bus. The rain continued to fall, fans continued to wave their flags.
Some were situated behind barriers and had signs as a means of passing on their congratulations to the players.
