Ex-marine flew into a rage and drove into crowds at Liverpool victory parade before ‘lying to police he thought knifeman was trying to open car door and stab him’
Several people were injured when a car crashed into enthusiastic Liverpool fans during the Premier League victory parade just after 6pm on Monday.
The parade started at 2.30pm at Allerton Maze and was supposed to last four hours.
An open-top bus filled with players and staff traveled north of the city, passing through key areas.
14.30
As the bus made its way through the Allerton Maze, the players waved to the thousands of cheering fans who had turned up to watch them depart.
The celebrations were led by stars including Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah atop the open-top bus.
In Liverpool, crowds of people with painted faces lined the street, dancing, waving flags and painting the sky red with flares and confetti.
15.30
The bus had made its first stop at Queens Drive and passed over the overpass at the end of the M26.
4pm
Merseyside police issued a warning to citizens celebrating.
They said: ‘Please keep yourself and others safe by not climbing buildings, structures, scaffolding or street furniture during today’s #LFC Victory Parade.
‘The parade route is 10 miles long and there are plenty of safe vantage points to view the LFC bus. Hope everyone has a great day!’
16.30
The bus had already passed the next stop, Mill Bank, and arrived at West Derby Road.
5pm
The parade was half over and the bus was heading towards the city centre.
It started with going down Leeds Street before reaching the Strand and was supposed to finish at Blundell Street.
17.30
The players had passed the Old Hall Street intersection while Calvin Harris was DJing in front of the bus.
17.38
Fireworks exploded at Malmasion and the Royal Liver Building as the bus made its way from New Quay towards The Strand.
17.48
The Strand was packed with people as Calvin Harris played One Kiss, fireworks went off, and fans danced and cheered.
6pm
A car plowed into a crowd of excited people on Water Street in the heart of Liverpool city center just after 6pm.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes; Dramatic images emerged showing police cordons, rubbish strewn on the road and scores of police officers, ambulances and even a fire truck.
The car, which eyewitnesses said was ‘beeping’ while passing through the crowd, then stopped at the scene.
Several people were photographed injured, four people were taken away on stretchers, and another man was photographed leaning heavily on a police officer for support.
18.42
Police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances were stationed around the Water Street area while the main road was cordoned off.
7pm
It was announced that the car was stopped at the scene and one person was detained.
Merseyside Police said: ‘We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic accident in Liverpool city centre.
‘We were contacted just after 6pm today following reports that a number of pedestrians had been struck by a car in Water Street.
‘The car stopped at the scene and a male was detained.
‘Emergency services are currently at the scene.’
While the first responders responded to the citizens at the scene, the North West Air Ambulance also arrived at the scene.
19.08
North West Ambulance has released a statement.
The statement said: ‘NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city center following reports of a traffic accident on the road.
‘We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
‘Our priority is to ensure people get the medical help they need as quickly as possible.
‘Updates will be posted on this page and Mersey Police as we learn more.’
19.33
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a statement.
He wrote: ‘The scenes at Liverpool are appalling; My thoughts are with everyone injured or affected.
‘I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their rapid and sustained response to this shocking incident.
‘I am being kept informed of developments and I would like to ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.’
19.54
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper gave an update on the situation in Liverpool.
8pm
Liverpool FC released the following statement: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident.
‘We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities dealing with this incident.’
20.09
Merseyside Police confirmed the man arrested was a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area.
20.40
Yvette Cooper released a statement about X, thanking the police and emergency services.
He wrote: ‘Thank you to the police and emergency services for their rapid response to the truly shocking and horrific scenes in Liverpool this evening.
‘Thinking of everyone affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I am kept informed of developments.’
21.00 pm
The scene was filled with multiple police vans and ambulances, as well as emergency workers on the ground.
A police van and car blocked Water Street, along with other police vehicles parked along The Strand.
Meanwhile, a large blue tent was set up on Water Street, with two fire trucks parked in front of it.
22.55
Merseyside Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims confirmed at a press conference this evening that 27 people were taken to hospital following the massacre. Of these, 1 adult and 1 child were seriously injured.
He also said the collision on Water Street was not considered an act of terrorism.
He added: ‘I know people will be understandably concerned about what happened tonight.
‘What I can tell you is that we believe this is an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this at this time.
‘The incident is not considered terrorism.’
12.02 am
Sir Keir Starmer issued a new statement praising the bravery of police and condemning the incident.
He said: ‘Tonight I spoke to Steve Rotheram about the horrific events in Liverpool and the extraordinary bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.
‘They support and care for those injured in these horrific events.
‘Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
‘The city has a long and proud history of coming together in difficult times.
‘Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.’
