Topline
A 53-year-old British man was arrested Monday after ramming his car into a crowd at a parade celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory and injuring nearly 50 people, an incident police are not treating as an act of terrorism, as the arrested suspect is believed to have acted alone.
Police say they arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the incident. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / … More
AFP via Getty ImagesKey Facts
According to the BBC, 27 people were taken to hospitals across the city, including a child and an adult who suffered serious injuries.
Another 20 people were treated for injuries at the scene, including four children, and a paramedic on a bike was also struck by the vehicle but was not seriously injured.
On Tuesday morning, Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram told the BBC that there are “still four people who are very, very ill in hospital…We are hoping of course that they pull through.”
Merseyside Police said in a statement it received reports of a driver colliding into the parade at about 6 p.m. local time Monday evening, and that it detained a 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area in connection with the incident.
In a press conference later on Monday, police officials said the incident was not being investigated as an act of terrorism, as they believe this was an isolated incident and they are “not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.”
The Liverpool Football Club issued a statement saying it was in “direct contact with Merseyside Police” about the incident at their Premier League victory parade and said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.”
Videos of the incident circulated on social media, depicting a car driving through a crowd of people on Liverpool’s Water Street, after which the crowd swarmed the car and began to hit the windows.
How Have Officials Responded To The Collision?
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling” in a post on X, praising first responders and stating he is being “kept updated on developments” and urging people to “give the police the space they need to investigate.” The Liverpool City Council said on X it is “currently liaising with Merseyside Police” following the incident. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the collision “truly shocking and horrendous,” stating she is keeping up with police updates. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch tweeted: “It is sickening to hear how many 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.”
How Have English Soccer Clubs And Officials Reacted?
In a statement on X, the English Premier League said: “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.” The Liverpool’s historic rivals Manchester United also issued a statement saying, “Our thoughts are with Liverpool and the city of Liverpool after today’s awful incident.” Everton FC, the city’s other major football club and Liverpool’s cross town rivals, said: “Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.”
What Have Eyewitnesses Said About The Liverpool Collision?
Isle of Man resident Peter Jones, 44, told the BBC he was walking up Water Street when he “heard a frantic beeping ahead” and “a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him,” stating he saw “a lot injured.” Harry Rashid, another attendee, told the Associated Press the collision happened “extremely fast,” telling the outlet he “heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.”
Key Background
The parade was held Monday after Liverpool FC, one of the most popular clubs in the world, won the Premier League title, ending Manchester City’s run of four straight Premier League championships. Liverpool secured the title last month after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1. The title was a historic feat for the storied club, as it was its 20th league title overall but only its second since the Premier League formed in 1992. On Sunday, the team lifted the Premier League Trophy at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium, its first time lifting the trophy in front of a packed stadium as its previous victory was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further Reading
Man, 53, arrested after car hits pedestrians at Liverpool FC parade (BBC)
Liverpool thrash Tottenham to secure Premier League title (ESPN)
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