Brenna Cooper
Witnesses in Liverpool have spoken out about the horrifying moment a car drove into crowds attending the Premier League victory parade.
Yesterday (26 May) up to one million fans of Liverpool FC took to the streets to celebrate winning the League alongside their team, who moved through the city on an open top bus alongside the trophy.
However the joy ended in tragedy after a car drove into crowds gathered in the city centre.
The incident is understood to have occurred on Water Street, about a mile from the parade's endpoint, and just 20 minutes after the bus passed attendees.
Merseyside Police has since confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man from the local area has been arrested in connection to the incident. The motive behind the attack is not yet known, however police are not treating the incident as terrorism.
Witnesses at the scene have since come forward to share their first-hand accounts of the horrifying incident, which is believed to have left 47 people - including four children - injured.
One person who spoke about the incident was 48-year-old Harry Rashid, who was at the parade alongside his wife and daughters.
"The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up," he explained to Liverpool Echo.
"This people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us."
Rashid went on to reveal that brave crowds of spectators attempted to smash the windows of the car, adding: "But then the car just ploughed through the rest of them, it just kept going. It was horrible.
"Then my daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground... They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade."
Meanwhile Mike Maddra, who was also in attendance, told PA how the 'car turned left, mounted pavement' and came towards where he was standing.
"We got out the way and it was speeding up," he said, adding that the driver's actions appeared to be 'deliberate'.
Liverpool FC have since shared a statement in response to the incident, confirming they were in 'direct contact' with Merseyside Police.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” a post on X read.
“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also spoken out, saying: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected."
In a second statement, he added: "Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services.
"They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events."
He continued: "Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.
"The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."