13 hours ago
Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 22:59 IST
The driver followed an ambulance past a roadblock before ramming into fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League win.
Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green leaves after visiting the scene on Water Street in Liverpool, north-west England on May 27, 2025, where a car ploughed in to crowds that had gathered on May 26 to watch an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool's Premier League trophy parade. (IMAGE: AFP)
A driver who ploughed into crowds joyfully celebrating Liverpool football club’s Premier League win on Monday evening is being held on suspicion of attempted murder and driving under the influence of drugs, police said Tuesday.
The shocking incident happened as the team’s victory parade was ending in the city centre, injuring 65 people, including four children. Eleven of the injured remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the 53-year-old white British man was arrested and held “on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs." She added, “An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing."
The driver reportedly followed an ambulance through a lifted roadblock before crashing into the crowds, Merseyside police said. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Messages of support flooded in Tuesday from around the world.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You’ll never walk alone," said former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, echoing the club’s famous anthem which only hours before had echoed joyfully around the city.
King Charles III, who is currently visiting Canada, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened".
“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances," he said in a statement.
The car slammed into dense crowds on Water Street just after an open-topped bus parade with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and star players including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk passed by.
Four children were among those hurt, including one seriously.
Hundreds of fans gathered at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium Tuesday, many having travelled from around the globe to join the celebrations.
While there was relief no one was killed, there was shock that a day of pride and delight had ended in tragedy.
“It’s devastating… We were all there for the joy of the day," said Adrian Chan, 35, from Singapore.
Michael Skabara, 28, a bar owner from Poland and a Liverpool fan for 20 years, was on his first visit. He vowed he would be back.
“After what happened yesterday I am definitely coming to a game as soon as I can. Life is too short," he said.
Images on social media showed the car ploughing through a crowd, running over people and others bouncing off its bonnet.
In other clips the vehicle was halted and swarmed by angry fans, who smashed the back windows as police sought to hold them back.
“We could just see a commotion and a wave of people running back towards us," Adam Hughes, 35, told AFP. “It was pandemonium."
Four people, including a child, were trapped under the car, which had to be lifted to free them, fire services said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended the “remarkable bravery" of the emergency services, adding that “the whole country stands with Liverpool".
(with inputs from AFP)
Location :Liverpool, United Kingdom
First Published:News world Driver Who Rammed Liverpool Fans During Parade Suspected Of Attempted Murder, Drug Use
