Liverpool parade crash: Merseyside Police issue statement as car drives into fans

Merseyside was driven into fans during their title parade. Hundreds of thousands lined the streets as an open-top bus, carrying the players made it's way through the city.

But reports emerged that an individual had driven into fans, with unconfirmed reports that multiple people have been injured.

The initial statement from the police force read: "We are currently dealing with reports of an RTC in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Mon 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male detained."

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Further details were then clarified with the arrest confirmed. A second statement added: “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.”

Liverpool parade crash:

Footage, seen by The Mirror, shows a vehicle mowing down numerous pedestrians. Others then opened the doors to the car after it had come to a stop.

Prime Minister 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 Labour Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside added: "I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon."

Liverpool FC released their own statement: "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."

In response, the 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."

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler said: "Heartbreaking news...absolutely sickened with what's happened here in Liverpool."

incident occurred around 10 minutes after the bus had passed that section on the route. It is said the car was going 'extremely fast' and hit a group of people before stalling for around 10 seconds. The driver is then said to have 'put his foot down again' running into more people.

Police have since cordoned off Water Street with a North West Air Ambulance landing at the scene. A News reporter at the scene suggested 'at least three injured people had been taken away on stretchers'.

Reports from the ECHO have confirmed that a restaurant on the street where the incident occurred has now been turned into a makeshift emergency room.

A statement from the North West Air Ambulance Service (NWAS) reads: "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.

"Updates will be published on this page and Mersey Police as we know more."

Liverpool City Council added: "We are currently liaising with regarding an incident on Water Street in the city centre."

Liverpool fans turned out in their thousands on Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate the club winning their 20th top-flight title. Arne Slot's side secured the title with four games to spare after beating at the end of April.

They then lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday, before the players celebrated with estimates of more than half a million fans on an open-top bus parade.