Liverpool, UK – A scene of celebration turned to chaos in Liverpool yesterday when a car ploughed into a crowd gathered for Liverpool FC’s trophy parade, injuring dozens of people. Merseyside Police have stated the incident is not being treated as terror-related and, in an unusual move, quickly released the ethnicity and race of the arrested suspect.
The incident occurred on Water Street, which was closed to traffic for the parade. Eyewitnesses described a sudden and terrifying scene as the vehicle accelerated into the crowd. Harry Rashid, who was present with his wife and three daughters, told BBC Radio 4 that he saw people hitting the car’s windows and briefly opening a door before it surged forward. “We were surrounded by a sea of people just confused and panicking,” he said.
A total of 47 people were injured. Twenty individuals received treatment at the scene, while 27 were transported to local hospitals, including the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Arrowe Park, Alder Hey, and Aintree. The fire service reported finding four people trapped under the vehicle who had to be extricated. Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram indicated that four of the hospitalized victims were “very, very ill.”
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old white British man. The decision to release the suspect’s ethnicity and race so promptly has drawn comment. Dal Babu, a former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, told BBC 5 Live that this was “unprecedented.” He contrasted this with the handling of the Southport attack in July 2024, where a delay in releasing such information led to false online speculation and subsequent violent disorder. Babu suggested the swift release in this instance was likely “to dampen down some of the speculation from the far right… that this was a Muslim extremist.” He acknowledged that while police typically withhold such details to avoid prejudicing a future trial, they must “balance that against the potential of public disorder.”
The motive for the driver’s actions remains unclear. Eyewitness and BBC reporter Dan Ogunshakin, who was at the parade, described seeing jubilant fans surrounding the vehicle, rocking it, and banging on it moments before the incident. He stated the car then suddenly reversed, collided with an ambulance, and then “shot forward” into the bystanders, dramatically changing the atmosphere from celebratory to chaotic.
Investigations are ongoing into how the car accessed the closed-off street. Leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson, urged the public to avoid speculation and share any information directly with Merseyside Police. An emergency council meeting was held behind closed doors following the incident.
The event has shocked attendees who had gathered for a joyous occasion. Lifelong Liverpool fan Gavin Young, who travelled from South Wales, described his girlfriend as “traumatised” after being just feet away from the car. “We came here to have fun… Then for someone to do that and turn it on its head is unbelievable,” he said, reflecting on the city’s welcoming atmosphere.
Water Street remains closed as a crime scene while police continue their investigations. Authorities have not yet released the name or a picture of the arrested driver.
