Approximately 50 individuals, including four children, sustained injuries when a car careened into crowds during a Premier League victory parade in Liverpool, England. One child is reported to have been seriously injured.
Steve Rotheram, the Metro Mayor of Liverpool City, revealed that four individuals remain “very, very ill in hospital” as a result of the incident.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he commented, “The actual occurrence on Water Street will remain in the memory of those affected for all the wrong reasons, which is where our focus needs to be.”
“Currently, four individuals are still in a critical condition in the hospital, and we are hopeful for their swift recovery.”
Chaos ensued on Water Street, approximately 1.6 km from the parade’s conclusion. Witnesses noted that the bus had just passed when a vehicle surged into the crowd.
Video footage circulating online seemingly depicted the car accelerating as it veered into pedestrians on either side, causing individuals to be knocked to the pavement or rapidly move to avoid injury.
Officers swiftly surrounded the vehicle as witnesses attempted to prevent the driver from fleeing, who was ultimately apprehended by the police.
The incident took place on Water Street.
The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported that four people, including a child, who were trapped under the car were freed by firefighters.
During a press conference last night, Dave Kitchin from the North West Ambulance Service stated that 27 individuals were transported to the hospital, while 20 received treatment on-site, with four children among the injured.
He mentioned that two of those hospitalized, including one child, sustained serious injuries.
Mr. Kitchin also noted that some individuals had gone to local hospitals independently.
Watch: North West Ambulance Service confirms four children among the injured.
Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager and attendee of the parade, expressed that he was “shocked and devastated.”
In an Instagram post, he shared, “My family and I are stunned and heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are injured and affected.”
“You’ll never walk alone.”
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims clarified that this “horrific incident” is not being investigated as terrorism following the arrest of a 53-year-old man at the scene.
The police confirmed that the suspect is a white British man from the Liverpool area.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated this morning that the joyous scenes had “turned into utter horror and devastation,” adding that “my thoughts, and the thoughts of the entire nation, are with everyone affected, including injured children, their families, friends, and the wider Liverpool community.”
“Liverpool stands united, and the entire country stands with Liverpool. I want to express gratitude to the first responders who provided exceptional service last night and continue to do so.”
“An ongoing investigation is in progress. I am in regular contact with Mayor Steve Rotheram, and as I mentioned, my thoughts are with everyone in Liverpool today.”
Keir Starmer described the scenes in Liverpool as “appalling.”
Mr. Starmer indicated that providing details about the arrested individual is “a matter for the police.”
Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu remarked that the prompt release of the suspect’s race and ethnicity by the police is “unprecedented.”
The police faced criticism after the Southport murders last summer for not disclosing sufficient information, which fueled online rumors about the suspect’s identity.
Mr. Babu told BBC Radio 5 Live that he believes the information released by the police last night aimed to counter speculation from far-right groups that insist this was a Muslim extremist act and that there is a conspiracy theory.
A large blue tent was set up on Water Street following the incident.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his “deep sympathies” to the people of Liverpool, especially those directly affected by the horrific event last evening.
As he arrived for a Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr. Martin wished for a “quick recovery” for all the injured.
He noted that Liverpool supporters had been celebrating “what was a fantastic achievement for the club.”
“To have the night conclude in such a distressing manner is truly appalling,” he stated.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris expressed that he “stands with people across Ireland in sending thoughts to the people of Liverpool” during this “difficult and devastating time.”
Mr. Harris highlighted that he was particularly thinking about all those “injured, including around 50 in hospital, four of whom are children.”
He emphasized that what was meant to be a night of “jubilation turned into a night of horror.”
He noted a longstanding “very close affinity between the city of Liverpool and the people of Ireland.”
Watch: Merseyside Police assert that the Liverpool incident is ‘not being treated as terrorism.’
The Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable confirmed that a “robust” traffic management plan had been implemented for the parade.
Ms. Sims stated, “We worked closely with event organizers to establish a strong traffic management plan for the parade, which included numerous road closures throughout the route and city center.”
She urged the public to refrain from sharing “disturbing footage” from the incident on social media and instead submit videos to the police.
Calling the event a “horrific incident,” Ms. Sims thanked emergency services, partner agencies, and bystanders who assisted the injured following the “shocking incident.”
“This had initially been a joyous day in Liverpool, with hundreds of thousands celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade,” she added.
Liverpool FC announced on X that they are in “direct contact with Merseyside Police” concerning the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious occurrence. We will continue to provide full support to emergency services and local authorities managing this situation.”
We are in direct communication with Merseyside Police regarding the incident in Water Street, which occurred toward the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with those impacted by this grave incident.
We will continue to offer… pic.twitter.com/xreiSqiEnL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025
Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, was at the parade with his wife and two young daughters when he witnessed the collision.
“A grey people carrier simply accelerated from the right and crashed into the crowd beside us,” Mr. Rashid recounted.
“It was extremely quick. We could hear people being struck and knocked off the car’s hood.
