Car Collision Mars Liverpool FC Parade, Dozens Injured
A celebratory day for football fans in Liverpool was tragically impacted when a car collided with pedestrians on Water Street in the city centre. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6 pm BST on Monday, May 26, 2025, happened as crowds gathered following the Liverpool FC Premier League trophy parade.
Merseyside Police confirmed they responded to reports of a vehicle striking a number of people. Emergency services, including multiple ambulance crews and fire engines, quickly attended the scene, which was subsequently cordoned off.
Man Arrested at the Scene
Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area in connection with the collision. The vehicle involved was stopped at the scene, and the man was detained immediately. While initial reports were unclear, authorities later stated that the arrested man is believed to have been the driver.
Investigators have launched extensive enquiries to determine the full circumstances leading up to the incident. Police urged the public not to speculate on the details and appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward directly to them.
Numerous Casualties Reported
The incident resulted in a significant number of injuries among the crowds. According to details released by emergency services, a total of 47 people were injured.
Casualty breakdown:
27 individuals were transported to various hospitals across Liverpool for further treatment.
20 people, including four children, were treated at the scene for injuries but did not require hospitalisation.
Tragically, two individuals, including one child, sustained serious injuries requiring hospital care.
Four people (three adults and one child) were found trapped under the vehicle and were subsequently extricated by fire services.
- One paramedic on a bike was also struck but sustained only minor injuries.
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/26/man-arrested-after-car-plows-into-crowd-at-liverpool-fcs-title-parade
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2025/may/26/liverpool-car-collision-pedestrians-premier-league-football-parade?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6834b9be8f08990e3651902c
- https://news.sky.com/story/police-responding-to-incident-at-liverpool-fc-parade-after-reports-of-car-collision-with-pedestrians-13374978
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn5xnlkegz0t
- https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cn5xnlkegz0t?page=2
The North West Ambulance Service described the event as a “major incident” and prioritised getting medical help to those in need.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaotic Scenes
Witnesses at the parade described scenes of sudden chaos and distress. Accounts include hearing frantic beeping, seeing the car driving “extremely fast” into dense crowds, and people scrambling to get out of the way. Some described the car momentarily stalling before accelerating again. Witnesses also reported crowds attempting to stop the vehicle and smashing its windows. The rapid shift from celebration to “fear and terror and disbelief” was highlighted, with some describing the event as appearing deliberate.
Not Being Treated as Terrorism
While counter-terrorism detectives were initially involved as a precautionary measure to help establish the motive, authorities later confirmed the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, focused on understanding the precise circumstances of the collision.
Widespread Official Reaction
The incident cast a “very dark shadow” over what had been a joyous day of celebration. Public figures and organisations expressed shock and offered support for those affected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “appalling,” extending his thoughts to those injured and thanking the emergency services for their swift response. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these sentiments, calling the events “truly shocking and horrendous.”
Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their “thoughts and prayers” for those affected and confirming direct contact with Merseyside Police, offering full support. The Premier League also stated it was “shocked by the appalling events.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram conveyed heartfelt sympathy, and the Liverpool City Council leader noted they were working to support those impacted.
The incident occurred during a massive celebration that had drawn hundreds of thousands of fans to the city centre, following the team’s trophy parade route.
