Police give an update on the number of people injured at the Liverpool parade incident, with a press conference held.
A car went into a crowd, injuring 47 people. Of those, 27 were hospitalised, including four children, with two individuals—one a child—suffering serious injuries. Four people remain “very, very ill.”
A 53-year-old British man, believed to be the driver, was arrested. The incident is not being treated as terrorism but as an isolated event.
Police statement (6:50pm):
We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street.
The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained.
Emergency services are currently on the scene.
We will issue more updates as we have them.
Police statement (8:09pm, May 26):
We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police statement (11:36pm, May 26):
Please find attached the statement from Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and partners from tonight’s press conference following the incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
ACC Sims: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.
“I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.
“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.
“Sadly, at just after 6 o’clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.
“In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.
“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.
“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.
“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.
“What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.
“The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.
“We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2
“In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.
“We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.”
Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service, said: “All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured.
“As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type.
“Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.
“St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance.
“Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families.
“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries – these did not need hospital treatment.
“27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious.
“Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained.
“We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.
“We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.
“All of us at North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this. We hope those who have been injured make a speedy recovery, and would like to extend our thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, both of whom assisted us in tending to the injured, as did many of the supporters in the crowd. As well as our NHS colleagues who continue to treat the casualties.
“To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you.”
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 1807, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.
“On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle.
“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”
Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.
“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.
“We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.
“I would urge people not to speculate as to the motives behind this appalling incident and to allow Merseyside Police to conduct their investigation.
“We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.
“Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.
“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times
“I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”
Police update (3:30pm, May 27):
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims:
Good afternoon, I am Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police.
I would like to thank the many victims and witnesses who have come forward with information to assist our investigation following yesterday’s devastating incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
Prior to the incident, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Liverpool and the city centre to pay tribute to Liverpool Football Club as they paraded their Premier League trophy. The atmosphere was electric, but sadly just after 6pm the joy of the day dissipated quickly after more than 50 people were injured when a car collided with people gathered on Water Streets.
We had worked extensively with event organisers and key partner agencies in the months ahead of the potential parade, and a robust traffic management plan was put in place, which included a number of local authority road closures throughout the route and the city centre.
This included Water Street, which was closed to traffic. It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in the incident was able follow an ambulance onto Water Street, after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.
As with many large events, we plan for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day. There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place and as we have previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident are ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.
I have no doubt regarding the impact that this appalling incident has had on those who were injured, their families and friends, and those who witnessed the incident unfolding in front of them. It is so heartening to hear that the public has also recognised the human impact on our attended officers, staff and other emergency service colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and I want to personally thank the public for their support of first responders who were on the scene in a matter of seconds.
Following the incident yesterday, I can confirm on behalf of the National Health Service that we are aware of 50 people who were treated at hospitals across the region. Of those, 11 remain in hospital for ongoing treatment. They are all in a stable condition and I’m pleased to say they appear to be recovering well.
I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday’s incident within a matter of seconds.
Following such a shocking event, they immediately ran towards an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous situation in an effort to protect other members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm.
Merseyside Police continues to work with other emergency services, Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool City Combined Regional Authority, local hospitals and health providers and Liverpool Football Club collectively in response to this incident.
An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.
Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) details are available here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2
Anyone with information or footage should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers.
I am now going to hand over to Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill, who will update on the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill:
My thoughts are with all those injured in this awful incident, their families and friends, and everyone who has been affected.
Like us, many of you will still be coming to terms with what was a harrowing end to a day of celebration.
I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice.
We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.
We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment, and our officers and family liaison officers are providing specialist support to a large number of the victims. Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected.
We will continue to provide that support in the days and weeks to come.
Due to the number of victims in this case, we have received assistance from neighbouring forces for which we are extremely grateful.
Our detectives are of course speaking to any witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
In addition, extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.
We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there on the day, and I thank them for their co-operation with our investigation.
I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so.
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