Driver Arrested for Attempted Murder Following Collision at Liverpool FC Victory Parade
A driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after his vehicle ploughed into football fans celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory during a parade in the city centre. The incident, which shattered a day of widespread joy, occurred on Bank Holiday Monday evening on Water Street.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the driver of a grey Ford Galaxy involved was taken into custody shortly after the collision and formally arrested on Tuesday. The suspect, a 53-year-old white British man from the West Derby area of Liverpool, is also being held on suspicion of dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Authorities have been granted an extension to question him further as the investigation continues.
How the Vehicle Accessed the Closed Route
Police state that the vehicle bypassed a roadblock specifically put in place for the parade. The driver is believed to have gained access to Water Street by tailgating an ambulance. The roadblock was temporarily lifted by event stewards to allow the emergency vehicle through, as it was responding to a report of a member of the public experiencing a suspected heart attack. Investigations are ongoing to understand the driver’s movements leading up to the incident, utilising city-wide CCTV footage and witness statements. Police have confirmed they do not believe any other vehicle followed the ambulance through the temporary opening.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The collision resulted in a significant number of injuries among the gathered crowds. Officials confirmed a total of 65 casualties. Initially, over 50 people, including children, required hospital treatment. As of updates following the incident, 11 individuals remained in hospital, all reported to be in a stable condition and recovering well.
Emergency services, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service, responded rapidly, with fire crews arriving within four minutes to free four people, including one child, who were initially trapped under the vehicle. A cyclist paramedic was also struck during the incident but was thankfully uninjured. Leadership from the emergency services have praised the swift and coordinated actions of all first responders and the public who assisted the injured in the chaotic aftermath.
Investigation Status and Official Response
Merseyside Police have explicitly stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said there was “no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place” and acknowledged the “appalling impact” on the victims, their families, and those who witnessed the events unfold.
ACC Sims defended the extensive policing operation for the parade, which drew hundreds of thousands of people, noting that authorities had planned for “all contingencies,” including road closures and armed presence. However, Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram raised “legitimate” questions about how the vehicle was able to be on Water Street despite the closures, adding that planning for the event would be reviewed.
Police continue to urge the public not to speculate about the incident or share distressing content and disinformation online, instead requesting that any information or relevant footage be submitted directly via official police channels or Crimestoppers. Forensic teams are working at the scene, and a police cordon remains in place on Water Street while investigations continue.
Witness Accounts Detail Moments of Terror
Witnesses have shared harrowing accounts of the collision, describing scenes of panic, chaos, screaming, and blood. The car reportedly swerved onto the pavement, striking pedestrians in a tightly packed area, before reversing and speeding off. Some onlookers attempted to stop the vehicle, yelling at the driver and even smashing a window, before it drove through the crowd.
For some, the sudden impact evoked fears of a terrorist attack. Robbie Potter, who survived the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, was present and recounted, “I thought it was happening again.”
Personal stories underscore the trauma. Daniel Eveson described seeing “people going flying and people screaming and just terror, pure terror.” He was struck in the chest, his partner was dragged under the car suffering a leg injury, and their baby son’s pram was tossed roughly 15 feet down the street. Jack Trotter and his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher were also hit, with Mr. Trotter sustaining back and leg injuries requiring hospitalisation and now using crutches. Both spoke of the desperate search for their loved ones amidst the chaos. Many described the incident as instantly destroying what had been a perfect day of celebration.
Community Solidarity and Messages of Support
The incident cast a shadow over a historic day for Liverpool FC, marking their first opportunity for a full title celebration with fans in 35 years due to the 2020 win occurring during COVID restrictions. The parade route had been lined with hundreds of thousands of fans revelling in the “unbridled joy” of the occasion, which quickly turned to shock and fear.
Messages of support have poured in for the city and those affected. King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their shock and sadness, highlighting the strength of Liverpool’s community spirit. The Prince and Princess of Wales were “deeply saddened” that a joyful celebration had ended in tragedy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed national solidarity. Prominent figures from Liverpool FC, including former manager Jürgen Klopp, former captain Steven Gerrard, and players like Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, shared messages of shock, sadness, and support for victims and emergency services.
As investigations continue on Water Street, members of the public have begun laying flowers, cards, and toys near the crash site as a poignant tribute to those injured in the tragic event.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n0nkj4m2o
- https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/suspect-liverpool-parade-collision-arrested-suspicion-attempted-murder-rcna209218
- https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cn5xnlkegz0t
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62n0nkj4m2o
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6383580/2025/05/27/liverpool-title-parade-road-collision/
