Car Plows Into Liverpool Parade Injuring Many

A vehicle intentionally drove into crowds of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League victory on Monday, injuring multiple people and prompting a swift police response. A 53-year-old man has been detained in connection with the incident.

Witnesses described a dark-colored vehicle swerving through the massive crowds gathered to witness the team’s victory parade, knocking people to the ground. An AFP journalist at the scene observed at least four individuals being transported away on stretchers.

Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, recounted hearing a series of impacts. “Initially we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of the car,” he said. Other eyewitnesses reported screams and a rapidly forming, angry crowd surrounding the vehicle before police intervention.

Merseyside Police have confirmed the arrested man is a 53-year-old white British resident of the Liverpool area and are appealing for calm while an extensive investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Emergency services, including fire crews and North West Ambulance Service, are currently assessing the situation and providing medical attention to those injured. The ambulance service stated its priority is to ensure rapid access to medical care for all those in need.

The incident has drawn condemnation from political leaders. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “appalling” and expressed his support for those affected, as well as praising the swift response of emergency services. He requested the public allow police the space needed to conduct a thorough investigation.

This incident is particularly poignant given Liverpool’s history marked by stadium tragedies. The 1989 Hillsborough disaster claimed the lives of 97 fans, and in 1985, 39 fans, primarily Italian, were killed following a wall collapse at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels during a match between Liverpool and Juventus. While the details of Monday’s incident are still unfolding, it’s a stark reminder of the vulnerability of large public gatherings and the potential for senseless violence to disrupt moments of joy and celebration. The focus now must be on supporting the injured, ensuring a comprehensive investigation, and understanding the motivations behind this disturbing act.