Liverpool parade carnage: Driver smashed into men, women and children at league title party before bystanders screaming ‘kill him’ dragged driver out – police update on casualties is imminent

A number of people have been injured and are being treated for injuries in hospital, police have confirmed.

They say it is not being treated as terror related.

During a press conference this evening, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the Water Street collision is not being treated as an act of terrorism.

She added: ‘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.’

Nearly six hours since the carange unfolded at the Liverpool FC parade, this is what we know so far:

• A 53-year-old white male has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during their Premier League trophy parade this evening.
• Emergency services rushed to Water Street shortly after 6pm tonight and dramatic images quickly surfaced showing police cordons and a strong presence of officers, ambulances and a fire engine at the scene.
• Thousands were out on the streets to celebrate when the car came ‘beeping’ through the crowds and collided with pedestrians.
• Witnesses say they saw the car coming at speed before it crashed into the crowds of revellers.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded the scenes as ‘appalling’.
• A total of 27 people were taken to hospital. Of those, one adult and one child were seriously injured.
• Another 20, including four children, were treated at the scene.
• A paramedic on a bike was also struck but not seriously injured.
• When emergency services arrived at the scene, four people were trapped under the vehicle, including one child, the fire service said.
• The incident is not being treated as terror related and ‘extensive enquiries’ remain ongoing.

Pictures from Water Street, near the Liver Building in Liverpool show the scene hours after a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade.

A number of tents have been set up inside the police cordon along the street and in the surrounding area.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has taken to X to call for the public to be made aware of the ‘facts’ of tonight’s incident in Liverpool ‘as soon as possible’.

He said: ‘My thoughts are with the victims, Liverpool fans and the people of that great City this evening.

‘The appalling footage depcits a car being driven into fans as they celebrated Liverpool’s Premier League win.

‘The public deserve to know the full facts as quickly as possible’.

Les Winsper, 55, who was present at the Premier League Parade has shared with The Guardian how the terrifying incident unfolded in front of his eyes.

He told the newspaper: ‘People started banging on the (car) windows.

‘Then they smashed the windows and he panicked and put his foot down.

‘He then hit someone and that person has gone in the air and he’s ploughed through the rest of them.

‘I’ve never seen anything like it.’

Firefighters had to rescue four people, including a child, who were trapped under the car that hit pedestrians during the Liverpool Football Club victory parade in the city centre, Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer said.

Speaking to the press conference, he said his crews were able to mobilise three fire engines to the scene and ‘were in attendance in four minutes’.

Mr Searle added: ‘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.”

He added: “My fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.’

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said a ‘robust’ traffic management plan had been in place for the parade before a car ploughed through dozens of Liverpool fans on Water Street.

She said: ‘In the lead-up to this event we had been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade, which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.

She also urged people to refrain from sharing ‘distressing footage’ from the incident online but called for videos to be passed to the police.

The greatest day became one of the darkest days. How could this happen? One moment there was a tickertape explosion, the sky thick with plumes of red smoke, the new smell of celebration.

Then, in the next step, came the piercing shrill of screams, flashing blue lights and the overwhelming sense of horror. They had descended in their hundreds of thousands in celebration. They left having witnessed a tragedy, knowing a city was in mourning.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the Water Street collision is not being treated as an act of 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.’

Dave Kitchin, head of North West Ambulance Service, said 27 patients were taken to hospital including four children. One of the children and another member of the public sustained serious injuries.

Three adults and one child was trapped under the vehicle and had to be extracted by fire crews.

Another 20 patients were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson said the incident had cast a ‘dark shadow’ over what was supposed to have been a ‘joyous’ celebration.

‘I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre,’ he said.

‘It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

‘I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to help those who were hurt and to our NHS staff treating them in hospital.

‘We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.

‘I would appeal for people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media – please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to help them with their investigation.

‘We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.

‘Once again, our hearts go out to those affected. Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times.

‘I’ve no doubt that will be the case over the coming days and weeks.’

Dave Kitchin, head of North West Ambulance Service said 27 people were taken to hospital after tonight’s horror incident.

He added that four of those injured were children and two people – including one child – are in a ‘serious condition’.

A paramedic was also struck by the car but did not sustain major injuries.

MailOnline has been across tonight’s collision on Water Street since it happened.

If you’re just joining us now and need to catch up, you can read our full timeline on how a ‘joyous’ trophy parade became an unthinkable horror.

We are still waiting to hear about the number of casualties as a result of tonight’s collision on Water Street.

Emergency services said the number would confirmed in a press conference at 10.30pm but officials are yet to take their seats.

Members of the press are in the room and waiting to hear from:

• Jenny Sims, Assistant Chief Constable
• Dave Kitchin, head of North West Ambulance Service
• Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
• Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson

We’ll bring you the news as soon as we have it.

Liberal Democrats leader in Liverpool Carl Cashman said: ‘I’ve just come in from the LFC parade from what was meant to be a really joyful day, to see the news of what’s happened in town and I’m sad and shocked to say the least.

‘I can’t believe what I’m actually seeing on social media and first and foremost my heart goes out to everyone there that witnessed what happened, everyone there that was affected by what happened, and anyone who has been injured and their loved ones.’

Witness Frankie, 24, told the Mail: ‘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.’

Patrick Milligan, 25, from Wigan added: ‘We all had the best day of our lives watching the parade and then it was like a tsunami within about five minutes of the parade finishing. It was horrific.

‘The car just swerved into the crowd at speed and everyone was screaming. We now know our families are ok but at the time, I had no idea if my brothers or sisters were under the car. My nan is 84 so we were all fearing the worst.’

NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the Liverpool victory parade incident because next of kin would be contacted.

In a statement the trust said: ‘Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones.

‘Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard.’

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘I would like to thank our amazing emergency services for their heroic actions this evening in Liverpool.

‘My heart goes out to everyone impacted in this horrible incident.

‘My department is working with NHS England to keep across any developments for our NHS staff.’

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said tonight’s collision has ‘cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day’.

He added: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.

‘We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.’

Fans in the city had gathered en masse earlier this afternoon to celebrate the club’s 20th league title before disaster struck.

North West Ambulance Service has said the scene at Water Street has been cleared following tonight’s horror collision.

They added that the number of casualties as a result of the incident will be confirmed in a press conference later this evening.

A spokesperson said: ‘North West Ambulance Service has now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight.

‘Details of this will be announced shortly.’

WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR SOME VIEWERS

Former Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher wrote on X: ‘Devastating end to the day… just pray everyone is ok’.

Ex-Reds striker Robbie Fowler added: ‘Heartbreaking news… absolutely sickened with what’s happened here in Liverpool.’

Manchester United said: ‘Our thoughts are with @LFC and the city of Liverpool after today’s awful incident.’

Stay with us at MailOnline to keep up-to-date with tonight’s horror incident on Walter Street in Liverpool.

Read our top story here…

If you’re just joining us, here’s a recap of what we know so far.

A 53-year-old white male has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during their Premier League trophy parade this evening.

Emergency services rushed to Water Street shortly after 6pm tonight and dramatic images quickly surfaced showing police cordons and a strong presence of officers, ambulances and a fire engine at the scene.

Thousands were out on the streets to celebrate when the car came ‘beeping’ through the crowds and collided with pedestrians.

Witnesses say they saw the car coming at speed before it crashed into the crowds of revellers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the scenes ‘appalling’.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said images from tonight’s collision on Water Street are ‘deeply worrying’.

She added: ‘My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident.’

Police restrained people who were ‘smashing’ the car that hit crowds in Water Street, a witness has 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.’

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has said the city will ‘stand together’.

He said in a statement: ‘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.’

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was ‘horrified to see the scenes in Liverpool’ after what he called a ‘disturbing attack’.

‘My thoughts are with all of those affected and injured by this disturbing attack,’ he added.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also said he was ‘shocked’ by the scenes.

‘I want to thank the emergency services who have responded so quickly,’ he said.

‘My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or affected.’

Witness Natasha Rinaldi, who was watching the parade from her friend’s living room, told Sky News: ‘It was so loud. People sounded desperate.

‘And then we looked out the window and we saw the car (had) run over people.

‘Then people started rushing to go after the driver and they tried to break the car. The police did everything to block and to push people away.

‘We could just hear screams and screams. We were very confused.

‘Some of my friends were down there and the car was so near them. It was a horrible scene, nobody was expecting it.”

She said ‘people had stopped the car’ and were knocking on the window ‘and trying to speak to the driver’.

‘People were very angry and shocked, and then the police intervened. And then we heard the ambulances coming.’

Merseyside Police are leading the investigation into the incident at Liverpool

FC’s trophy parade but officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are

supporting them, the PA news agency has said.

Liverpool FC’s local rivals Everton and the Premier League have posted a show of support after tonight’s horror collision.

In a social media post, Everton said: ‘Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.’

The Premier League added: ‘Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected.

‘We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.’

A restaurant on the street where the car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters has reportedly been turned into a makeshift ER.

Crime reporter Paddy Edrich from the Liverpool Echo said in a post shared to X: ‘I’m on Dale Street where it meets Water Street, where police are dealing with a serious incident in the wake of the Liverpool title parade.

‘A number of people are receiving medical treatment inside restaurant Riva, which has been turned into a makeshift ER.’

Chelsea Yuen was at the parade with her friend and young daughter and told Sky News she is ‘shaken’ as she fought back tears.

She said: ‘We’re really shaken up. My friend’s daughter was crying as we got closer to people lying on the floor at the top of the street. We just had to keep walking and get out of the area. We didn’t know what else was coming.

‘There were prams in the streets. I don’t know who has been hurt or if there are any fatalities. But there were kids everywhere. It was a family celebration, it’s just quite shocking what’s happened.’

Liverpool FC has published its first statement after the collision saying they are in contact with police.

It reads: ‘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.’

The club had put on an open-top bus trophy parade this afternoon which was widely celebrated in the city before the collision.

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 out of the way, it missed myself, my family, by literally inches. We then turned and watched what happened behind us momentarily before running. At that point you could see the ambulance I mentioned which had stopped – that I think provided something of a natural barrier, that slowed the car down.

As it passed me it was being chased by a group of men who were trying to bang on the side of it and throw things at it. The back of the rear windshield had been completely smashed it but it had no intention of stopping.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer this evening posted to X: ‘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.’

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is also being kept updated about the events in
Liverpool.

Merseyside Police have issued a statement urging people not to speculate on tonight’s incident.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

‘We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area.

‘Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.

‘We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784.

‘Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

A man has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during their Premier League trophy 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.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were ‘appaling’ and that he is being ‘kept updated on developments’.

This is a developing story. Stick with us and we’ll keep you up to date.

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.

Mr Rashid described how crowds began trying to smash the car windows: ‘Then he stalled for a few seconds, probably about 10 seconds. Then the crowd that was a bit further back started rushing at him trying to smash his windows.

‘But then he put his foot down again and just ploughed through the rest of them, he just kept going.

‘It was horrible. And you could hear the bumps as he was going over the people.

‘Then my daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground.

‘It looked clearly deliberate.

‘They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade. There were hundreds and thousands of us there because this is probably the busiest part of Liverpool.”

‘We were shocked, couldn’t believe it.’

Emergency services arrived at the scene ‘within seconds’, he said.

Mr Rashid said: ‘Ambulances were already there. There was one right next to where this occurred, so there was a paramedic inside there.

‘But then they started arriving within seconds, they’re all trying to get to the crowd and negotiate the crowd, which is very difficult to do, you see, because there’s that many people, they constantly been trying to move.

‘I just wanted my kids to get off the road regardless because I couldn’t trust whether there’s a follow up attack or something like that. Because you are just exposed there on the pavement.

‘I saw people lying on the ground, people unconscious.

‘It was horrendous. So horrendous.’