A man has been arrested after a car drove into pedestrians during Liverpool FC’s parade celebrating their Premier League win.
Merseyside police said in a statement tonight: “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.”
Footage shared online shows police cordons in place around the road, with a huge police presence, ambulances, and a fire engine at the scene. It is understood that people were injured in the incident, with images showing someone being taken away on a stretcher. In another image, a man is walking with his arm around a policeman for support.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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. I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
In an updated statement, Merseyside police said: “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.”
Liverpool FC said in a statement on Monday night: “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. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”