LIVERPOOL: Several people were injured when a car crashed into fans during a Liverpool FC victory parade and police arrested a 53-year-old British man shortly afterwards.
The crowd had gathered in the city centre to celebrate the team’s Premier League win when the incident happened on Monday.
Merseyside Police said a “number of pedestrians” were hit after the team’s open-top coach carried players and coaching staff through the city centre for a victory parade.
Unverified social media video showed people lying in the road. A Reuters photographer saw emergency services carrying victims on stretchers to ambulances and debris scattered on the road. A tent was set up.
“We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident,” police said. “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.”
An unverified video on social media showed a car driving at speed into fans lining the street, at one point appearing to swerve away from the most densely crowded area.
Police surrounded the vehicle shortly afterwards, and other videos showed angry fans attempting to reach the driver.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that the scenes were “appalling” and he was being updated about the events.
“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,” Starmer said.
The team said on X it was in direct contact with police about the event. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” Liverpool FC said.
