A man has been taken into custody following a disturbing incident in Liverpool city centre, where a car struck a group of pedestrians during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title celebration on Monday evening.
Merseyside Police revealed that the suspect is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, though it remains unclear if he was the one behind the wheel during the crash.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the chaos on Water Street, dispatching several police vehicles, ambulances, and even an air ambulance to the scene.
Footage circulating on social media captured the alarming moment the vehicle sped into the crowd of jubilant fans.
At one point, the driver appeared to veer away from a particularly dense section of spectators. Shortly after, the car was surrounded by police officers, while other videos showed outraged supporters trying to confront the individual inside.
In a statement released Monday night, Merseyside Police said, “We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
“We were contacted at just after 6pm [BST] today, Monday 26 May, following reports a car had been in a 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.”
While no official details have been shared regarding the number or severity of injuries, the police urged the public to refrain from making assumptions.
In a follow-up statement, authorities added, “We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area.”
Liverpool FC also issued a message of support for those caught up in the distressing event, “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.”
The shocking development came as hundreds of thousands of fans gathered across the city to celebrate Liverpool’s latest league triumph.
Reacting to the incident, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted a statement on social media expressing his concern, “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 development,” he added, “and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
The Premier League also shared its sympathies, stating, “Everyone is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”