A car drove into a crowd of Liverpool FC supporters celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre, injuring almost 50 people. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Water Street, a major road near the waterfront, during what was meant to be a jubilant celebration.
Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old white man at the scene. The crash is not being treated as terror-related, and authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the motive.
Shocking footage showed a black Ford Galaxy driving through the dense crowd, striking several people. Some were thrown onto the bonnet, while others were reportedly trapped beneath the vehicle’s wheels. The car continued down Water Street for roughly 200 yards before stopping. As angry fans surrounded the vehicle, police intervened to protect the driver. Armed officers were quickly deployed.
Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital, while another 20 were treated at the scene. Among the injured were four children, two of whom sustained serious injuries. A paramedic at the scene was overheard telling officers that Royal Liverpool Hospital was “overwhelmed” by the number of casualties.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and horror. “We were like sardines walking up the street when we heard beeping and screaming,” said Chelsea Yuen, who was celebrating with friends. “A black people-carrier was heading straight for us. My friend and I grabbed her daughter and jumped out of the way.”
Another witness, Les Winsper from the Midlands, said: “The crowd was trying to open the doors, but he just ploughed through. People were shouting, kids were crying. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
One witness, who gave his name as Dom, called the event “terrifying” and described how a group of bystanders pursued the driver before police arrived.
Peter Jones from the Isle of Man recalled: “A car flew past us beeping frantically. People chased it, windows were smashed, and then it hit a crowd. It was chaotic. Medics were everywhere treating the injured.”
Another onlooker, Harry Rashid, said: “The car came from the right and rammed into people at high speed. We heard a horrible ‘pop, pop, pop’ sound as people were knocked down. It stalled briefly and then continued. There was a baby seat in the back, but the driver appeared to be alone.”
Among those injured was a 24-year-old man who also survived the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. “The side of the car hit me and I fell. Everything is a blur,” he said.
Water Street and Dale Street were not on the list of roads due to be closed ahead of the parade, raising questions about traffic control during the event.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling” and offered thoughts to those affected. Liverpool Football Club issued a statement expressing its “thoughts and prayers” for the victims.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims confirmed at a press conference that the crash is not being treated as an act of terrorism. Police have established a large cordon around the area, and investigations are ongoing.
The event casts a shadow over what was meant to be a day of celebration following Liverpool’s Premier League triumph and has drawn chilling comparisons to the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 fans died in a crush in 1989.