Car driven into Liverpool fans as huge emergency service presence at trophy parade

A car drove into fans the club's title win. A vehicle ploughed into a crowd of supporters on Water Street, near the Strand, as they lined the streets to cheer players taking part in an open-top bus parade.

Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, who they understand to be the driver of the car. It is not being treated as a terrorism incident. Emergency services have were taken to hospital, including four children. Twenty people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Two individuals have "serious" injuries, including a child. Merseyside Police have asked people not to speculate or share videos of the incident on social media. The road was cordened off by emegency services and the car was covered for forensic investigations. A pop-up tent served as a temporary A&E centre.

Reports about a serious incident started surfacing around 6pm. Police are asking for any footage people have to be passed on to the relevant authorities.

A Merseyside Police statement said: "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."

North West Ambulance Service said: "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."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote: "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."

Liverpool Football Club said: "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."

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose seat includes the city centre, added: "I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon."

A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: "We are currently liaising with Merseyside Police regarding an incident on Water Street in the city centre."

An eye-witness told Channel 5: "We all split, the car came straight up the street. It was about 30-foot behind us. It just stopped, bang. It went past us, clipped my mate on the leg. I don't know [if it was done on purpose]. This car just blew through straight up past us, in through a crowd."

It is estimated that around one million supporters lined the streets of Liverpool to watch two buses carrying players and staff make the 10-mile journey through the city. The Reds won the top-flight in front of fans for the first time since 1990, having also won it during the Covid-disrupted 2019-20 season.

Arne Slot's team finished on 84 points and secured the league with several games to spare, ending the campaign 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.