27 people taken to hospital, including seriously injured child, as man arrested after car crashes into Liverpool fans

A 53-year-old man has been arrested with 27 people being hospitalised after a car drove into a crowd in horrific scenes at Liverpool’s trophy parade.

It was announced late on Monday that of the 27 taken to hospital, two have suffered serious injuries, with one of them being a child.

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There have been no recorded fatalities at this time.

Another 20 were treated at the scene, including three children, but did not require hospital treatment. Meanwhile, an on-scene paramedic was hit by the car but not seriously.

The incident occurred at around 6pm on a day which saw Reds fans take to the city’s streets to celebrate the club’s 20th league title.

One horrific video on social media shows the vehicle colliding with numerous Liverpool supporters before eventually coming to a halt.

Images captured someone being taken away on a stretcher while a man was seen walking with his arm around a police officer for support.

A large blue tent was erected in Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. An ambulance incident unit was parked nearby before driving away.

Merseyside Police said that a man had been detained shortly after the incident was reported. The incident is suspected to be an isolated one and is not being treated as related to terrorism.

Later on Monday, the force confirmed that the man, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, has been arrested.

“We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre,” a statement read.

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“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 or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784.

“Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.

“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.

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“I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose seat includes the city centre, said: “I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon.”

Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.

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“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”

The Premier League said: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected.

“We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”

Thousands of Liverpool fans were in attendance at the parade with councillor John Hughes estimating in excess of one million people were attending, beating the 750,000 present for the 2019 Champions League parade.

Reacting to the horrific incident, former Liverpool player Danny Murphy said on talkSPORT: “I’ve just got a text from my son, who took his daughter, my granddaughter to the parade today so he’s safe.

“Luckily he had to leave a bit earlier because she’s only three.”

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Murphy added: “Horrendous, what can you say? It beggars belief. There’s no point hypothesising about who and why because that’s just non-nonsensical.

“What possesses someone to do that?”

Monday’s incident mars what was a celebratory day for Liverpool after their Premier League title win.

They finished ten points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.

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