Liverpool: A celebratory parade for Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title took a devastating turn when a car ploughed into a crowd of supporters on Monday, injuring 27 people—two of them seriously. Authorities confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Police arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver of the vehicle that struck fans gathered to celebrate the team’s triumph. The incident occurred in northwest England, shortly after the Liverpool team had passed by on an open-top bus tour through the city centre.
Emergency services responded rapidly, with 20 people treated at the scene and 27 transported to hospitals, including four children. One child and one adult remain in serious condition. Firefighters had to rescue four individuals trapped beneath the car.
Shocking videos shared on social media captured the moment fans were hurled into the air upon impact. As the vehicle came to a stop, furious supporters surrounded it, smashing its windows before police intervened to shield the driver.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims told reporters: “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.”
The city had been brimming with celebration as hundreds of thousands of fans took advantage of the Spring Bank Holiday to cheer on their team. The parade marked Liverpool’s first public celebration of a league title since the pandemic-era 2020 win, when lockdowns prevented large gatherings.
According to a report from the BBC, the collision took place roughly 10 minutes after the Liverpool team bus had passed the area.
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Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson described the event on social media as having “cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day.”
A Reuters photographer on-site observed emergency workers carrying victims on stretchers, with scattered debris covering the road.
In an unusual move, police promptly released a detailed description of the suspect in custody. Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent of London’s Metropolitan Police, told the BBC that this was likely intended to prevent misinformation and speculation online, particularly suggestions of an Islamist motive.
This comes amid heightened sensitivity in the region, following last year’s deadly incident in nearby Southport where the murder of three young girls led to days of unrest, inflamed by speculation on social media.
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Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene. One woman, who gave her name as Chelsea, told BBC Radio that many only realized the danger when screams erupted from the crowd. “With the commotion, that was the only reason we looked up, and thankfully, looked up and managed to jump out (of) the way in time,” she said.
A Reuters witness noted earlier disorder in the city centre, citing poor signage and overcrowding as contributing to confusion before the car crash occurred.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling” in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “My thoughts are with all those injured or affected,” he said, adding that he is receiving updates on the situation.
Liverpool Football Club also issued a statement on X: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.” The club confirmed it is in direct contact with police.
