A devastating incident took place in Liverpool, United Kingdom, where a car drove into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory, leaving nearly 50 people injured.
The incident took place on Monday evening at around 6:00pm local time on Water Street, not far from the Strand, where thousands had gathered to celebrate the club’s title win. According to Merseyside Police, a car collided with numerous pedestrians before coming to a stop. The driver, identified as a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, was arrested at the scene. Authorities have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered his condolences to those affected, stating: “Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with them.” He also extended his gratitude to the first responders, calling their efforts “fantastic”, and said he is receiving frequent updates on the police investigation.
The Prime Minister added that he remains in close contact with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who told the BBC that “four people are very, very ill” following the crash.
Among the 47 injured are four children, with two people, including one child, in serious condition. Emergency services reported that four individuals, including a child, had to be rescued from beneath the vehicle.
Footage shared online showed the car moving through dense crowds, reportedly at speeds of over 20 miles per hour. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with some bystanders attempting to stop the car by banging on its sides and throwing objects.
Former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp said he and his family were “shocked and devastated” by the tragedy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected,” he wrote in a message on Instagram.
As investigations continue, police have refrained from commenting on why the suspect’s ethnicity was shared early on. “That is a matter for the police and the investigation is ongoing,” said Starmer when questioned on the issue.
The incident took place just over a kilometre from the parade’s finishing point. Water Street, where the collision occurred, had been filled with jubilant fans moments earlier as the team’s open-top bus passed through.
Liverpool FC and its supporters have long stood by the motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — a sentiment echoed around the world in the wake of this tragedy.