The driver of a car that ploughed into football fans during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, police have said. Merseyside Police said a Ford Galaxy avoided a roadblock by tailgating an ambulance responding to reports of a member of the public having suffered a heart attack. The force said the 53-year-old man, from the West Derby area of the city, was also being detained on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. A total of 50 people, including children, were treated in hospital following the incident in Water Street, which happened shortly after 18:00 BST on Bank Holiday Monday. Det Ch Supt Karen Jaundrill said there were 65 confirmed casualties following the incident. Of the injured, police said 11 people remained in hospital. All are said to be in a "stable" condition. Merseyside's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance on to Water Street, after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack." She added: "There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place and, as we previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism." The senior officer defended the policing operation during the parade, which attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the city. She told reporters that the force had planned for "all contingencies", including road closures and an armed police presence. Assistant Chief Constable Sims said "an extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident" was continuing, and once again urged people not to speculate about what had happened. The force has asked anyone with information about the incident to refrain from sharing it online and instead pass it on to police. Earlier, Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram suggested the suspect's car should not have been on Water Street and said questions about how it was able to be driven there were "legitimate". Water Street remains closed while investigations continue into the incident. A police cordon remains in place, while members of the public have begun to lay flowers, cards and toys near the crash scene. Huge numbers of joyful Liverpool fans packed the city centre on Monday and lined the 10-mile (16km) parade route as the Reds celebrated winning their second Premier League crown and 20th top-flight league title. Witnesses graphically described the terror of what happened after the Ford Galaxy smashed into a tightly packed section of the crowd that had gathered on the pavement outside a bar. Some feared it was a terrorist attack. Robbie Potter, who was severely injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, was on Water Street. "I thought it was happening again," he told the BBC. "How did a car get through? "From the videos, they've been very lucky." Meanwhile, Daniel Eveson's partner was dragged under the car's wheels and his baby son's pram was tossed down the street. For a moment, he said he did not know if they had survived. Mr Eveson, from Telford, told BBC Radio Shropshire he saw "people going flying and people screaming and just terror, pure terror", adding: "I thought I'd lost everything." The car struck Mr Eveson in the chest before his partner went under the wheels and was dragged down the road. The impact spun their son's pram about 15ft (4.5m) down the street. Mr Eveson was able to locate his son, who was unharmed, and leave him in a restaurant with helpers as he went back to search for his partner. Jack Trotter and his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher, from Newtownards in County Down,were hit by the carafter it surged towards them. "The first thought that I got was: 'Where's Abbie? I need to find Abbie'," the Liverpool fan from Northern Ireland told the BBC. "Where's Abbie? You know she could be anywhere at this rate and lucky enough she was screaming my name and I found her." Mr Trotter was taken to hospital by ambulance and kept in overnight. He sustained injuries to his back and leg and is now walking with crutches. Following the incident, messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool, including from the King, who said: "I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need." The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were "deeply saddened" by the incident, adding: "What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy." The Princess Royal visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where medical staff spoke of how they were "very, very fortunate" that more people had not been injured. Reds legend and former captain Steven Gerrard posted on Instagram that he was "shocked, sickened and saddened" over the incident. Meanwhile former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp wrote that his "thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected". "You'll never walk alone," the statement concluded, referencing the club's famous terrace anthem. Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Merseyside on Soundsand follow BBC Merseyside onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Liverpool driver arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after parade crash
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Driver Arrested for Attempted Murder Following Parade Crash in Liverpool"
Bbc News
8.2
TruthLens AI Summary
A driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. The incident occurred when a Ford Galaxy car crashed into a crowd of football fans celebrating the team's victory. Merseyside Police reported that the vehicle managed to bypass a roadblock by closely following an ambulance that was responding to a separate medical emergency. The 53-year-old driver from West Derby is also facing charges related to dangerous driving and being unfit to drive due to drug use. The chaotic scene left 65 confirmed casualties, with 50 individuals requiring hospital treatment; thankfully, all injured parties are reported to be in stable condition. Police have indicated that there was no prior intelligence suggesting that such an incident would occur, and they have ruled out any links to terrorism. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to understand how the vehicle accessed the parade route, prompting questions about the adequacy of the security measures in place during the high-attendance event.
Witnesses described the harrowing moments when the car surged into a densely packed area of fans, leading to panic and fear that echoed memories of previous attacks. Personal accounts highlight the chaos, with individuals recalling the sight of people being thrown into the air and the immediate concern for loved ones. For instance, one man expressed his terror as he searched for his partner amidst the confusion, fearing for their safety. The community has begun to mourn, with flowers and tributes appearing at the crash site. In response to the incident, figures from the royal family and Liverpool football community have extended their condolences, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward while maintaining a police cordon at the scene to facilitate the ongoing investigation. The tragic event has overshadowed what was intended to be a joyful celebration for the city and its football team, prompting calls for a thorough review of safety protocols at large public gatherings.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The incident described in the article raises significant concerns regarding public safety during large events, particularly in relation to major sporting celebrations. The details about the driver’s alleged actions and the immediate aftermath highlight the potential dangers present in such gatherings.
Public Perception and Safety Concerns
The arrest of the driver on suspicion of attempted murder following the crash during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade is likely to foster a sense of fear and concern among the public. The police's mention of "dangerous driving" and "driving while unfit through drugs" adds to the seriousness of the incident, suggesting a need for enhanced safety measures at future public events. The fact that the situation did not appear to be premeditated or linked to terrorism could help alleviate some fears, but it still raises questions about the adequacy of crowd control and emergency response protocols.
Investigation and Speculation
Merseyside Police are conducting an extensive investigation into the incident and have urged the public not to speculate or share unverified information online. This request indicates a desire to maintain control over the narrative surrounding the event, preventing misinformation that could exacerbate public anxiety. By emphasizing the ongoing investigation, the police aim to reassure the community that the situation is being handled appropriately.
Societal and Economic Implications
This event could have broader implications for the local economy and community trust in law enforcement. High-profile incidents during public celebrations can lead to decreased attendance at future events, impacting local businesses that rely on such gatherings for revenue. Politically, the incident may prompt discussions about public safety policies and police preparedness for large-scale events, potentially influencing future resource allocation.
Community Reactions and Support
The article suggests that the community may rally around the victims and their families, showing support for those injured during the parade. This could foster a sense of solidarity among Liverpool fans and residents, highlighting the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.
Potential Manipulation and Reliability
While the article appears factual, there may be an underlying agenda to shift public attention towards the effectiveness of police operations during such events. The framing of the incident as an isolated occurrence rather than a systemic issue could serve to downplay concerns about public safety. However, the information provided seems credible, focusing on official statements and statistical data regarding casualties and the ongoing investigation.
Ultimately, the reporting on this incident underscores the fragile balance between celebration and safety in public events, reflecting broader societal concerns about security and community well-being.