A vehicle drove into pedestrians in Liverpool city centre. This tragic event unfolded just days after the Liverpool FC Premier League victory parade on that same sunny afternoon. The attack came only minutes after streets had been cleared, a sharp turn from the celebratory scene just seconds earlier. Firefighters, medics and police arrived quickly on the scene, which was near the corner of Water Street.
Merseyside police first recorded reports of the collision shortly after 6 PM. Just moments later they had set up cordons around the cocktail-street as ambulances and other emergency service vehicles flooded in to help those that had been injured. Armed police were sent to the area and a 53-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Witnesses have painted a horrific scene, as the vehicle mowed down people standing along the street. Harry Rashid, who was at the parade with his family, described the terrifying experience.
“It happened about 10 feet away from us … The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up. This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us.” – Harry Rashid
Natasha Rinaldi, another eyewitness, described in detail that horrible crash of impact.
“It was so loud. People sounded desperate. And then we looked out the window and we saw the car had run over people.” – Natasha Rinaldi
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said they are attending the ongoing incident. They are now on the ground and helping support emergency efforts following what has been reported as a deadly road traffic collision.
“NWAS is supporting an incident in Liverpool city centre, following reports of a road traffic collision.” – A spokesperson for the North West ambulance service
Alongside these local authorities, senior national figures were kept informed of the developing scenario. In the UK, then opposition leaders Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were briefed in real-time about the unfolding events. On Twitter, Starmer said his heart goes out to everyone impacted by the event.
“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.” – Keir Starmer
As first responders did their best under extreme circumstances on the scene, it was apparent that so many people, mainly young people, needed immediate care. Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of chaos as families and loved ones of those involved tried to figure out what happened.
One witness described the chaos that unfolded, saying, “Then my daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground.” This hopelessness was felt by everyone around, searching for a better understanding for the terrible act.