Liverpool was swept up in euphoria last night as a million fans flooded the city centre for Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade, celebrating their 2024-2025 Premier League triumph. But the jubilation turned to horror at around 6 p.m. on Water Street when a car barrelled into the crowd, injuring 47 people, with 27 rushed to hospital, including four children. Two victims—a child and an adult—are in critical condition. Police arrested a 53-year-old local white man, calling the incident an “isolated event” unrelated to terrorism, but questions over the suspect’s motive and how a vehicle breached a secured zone have ignited public fury over apparent security failures.
Chaos Unfolds: From Cheers to Screams
The tragedy struck on Water Street, at the peak of the parade, as fans packed the streets to cheer the open-top bus carrying their beloved players. A grey Ford Galaxy suddenly roared into the crowd, mowing down pedestrians and sending the scene into pandemonium, with screams piercing the air. Firefighters raced to free four people trapped under the vehicle, including a child. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed 27 victims were hospitalised, with 20 others treated at the scene, among them four children.
Eyewitness Harry Rashid recounted the terror: “I was with my daughter, soaking up the parade, when I heard screams. I turned and saw a car charging towards us—I grabbed her and ran, we barely escaped!” Another witness claimed the vehicle briefly stopped before accelerating into the crowd, sparking chaos. Furious onlookers tried to smash the car’s windows to stop the driver, but their efforts were in vain.
Suspect: 53-Year-Old Local, Motive Unknown
The suspect, a 53-year-old white man from Liverpool, was arrested at the scene. Merseyside Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stressed the incident is not terror-related and described it as “isolated,” with no other suspects sought. Yet, the driver’s motive remains a mystery, with police tight-lipped, saying only that they are probing his background and actions prior to the crash. Unconfirmed reports suggest he was seen leaving a nearby pub in an agitated state, though police have not verified this. Social media footage shows the car surrounded by a crowd moments before the incident, with some banging on the windows in an apparent attempt to intervene, only for the vehicle to speed off into the throng. Police urged the public not to share such videos and to provide tips directly via @MerPolCC or by calling 101, quoting log number 784.
To prevent a repeat of last year’s Southport stabbings, where misinformation sparked riots, police swiftly released basic details about the suspect to curb rumours, urging the public to refrain from speculating.
Security Breach: How Did the Car Get Through?
The incident has sparked outrage over a glaring security failure: how did a vehicle penetrate a supposedly sealed-off parade route? Water Street, a key stretch of the procession, was meant to be cordoned off to ensure the safety of the million-strong crowd. Initial reports suggest the car may have entered via an inadequately secured access point near Water Street, but police have yet to provide clarity, stating only that they are reviewing traffic management protocols. Fans and residents are livid, questioning whether police and the city council underestimated the event’s scale, leaving gaps in security.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson admitted shortcomings in the security setup, vowing a thorough joint investigation with police to uncover how the breach occurred. Merseyside Police confirmed an internal review of road closures and checkpoint arrangements is underway to prevent future failures.
Victory Parade: A Long-Awaited Celebration
Liverpool Football Club clinched the Premier League title for the 2024-2025 season, their first since the 2020 pandemic-hit campaign. That year’s lockdown robbed fans of a public celebration, making this parade a highly anticipated outpouring of pride, drawing an estimated million supporters to the city centre. The route wound through iconic streets like Water Street, with fans chanting and waving flags in a carnival-like atmosphere. The last such parade was in 2019, celebrating the club’s Champions League victory—a memory now tainted by this tragedy.
Nation Reels, Community Rallies
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “harrowing,” contacting Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram to commend the swift response of emergency services. “Children should be able to celebrate their heroes safely,” he said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed praise for first responders.
Liverpool Football Club expressed shock and offered support to victims and their families. Rivals Manchester United and crosstown foes Everton issued rare joint messages of condolence, underscoring football’s unity. Liverpool’s community sprang into action, with locals offering free accommodation, Wi-Fi, and transport to help stranded fans reconnect with loved ones, a testament to the city’s resilience.
Investigation Ongoing, Pain Lingers
Merseyside Police are investigating the suspect’s motive, the vehicle’s condition, and the security breach, with a large cordon still in place. The North West Ambulance Service and fire crews continue to support victims. The city council pledged transparency in the investigation, vowing to prevent future tragedies.
This disaster has cast a shadow over Liverpool’s moment of triumph. The city, scarred by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, knows tragedy all too well. Yet, as Liam Robinson declared, “Liverpool never walks alone.” The community will rally to support victims and demand answers as the city heals.
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