A press conference was held following a serious incident where Liverpool fans were struck by a vehicle during the club’s Premier League title celebration.
On Monday, May 26, thousands of Liverpool supporters filled the streets to mark the team’s 20th top-flight championship, an event that saw high turnout after celebrations were previously curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, the celebration took a tragic turn when a car drove through Water Street in the city centre, hitting multiple fans. Shocking footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man had been arrested in connection with the collision.
Jack Trotter, one of the victims, described being in “absolute agony” as he spoke from the hospital. He was struck while walking with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher.
At a press conference at the Cunard Building, officials from Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, Liverpool City Council, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue shared details of the incident. It was confirmed that 27 people, including four children, were taken to hospital.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims expressed her sympathies to those injured and praised the response of emergency services and bystanders. She explained that the incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m., near the end of the parade.
She assured the public that specialist officers were supporting victims and their families, and confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and was arrested. Authorities believe the incident to be isolated and not related to terrorism. Investigations are ongoing, and the public was urged not to spread speculation online.
David Kitchin of North West Ambulance Service reported that 20 people were treated at the scene, while 27 were taken to hospital, with two—one being a child—suffering serious injuries.
Nick Searle of Merseyside Fire and Rescue detailed their response, stating that crews arrived within four minutes and rescued four people trapped under the vehicle. Emergency responders worked quickly to treat and transport the injured.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson also made a statement, offering thoughts and prayers to those affected and commending the emergency services and NHS staff. He discouraged the sharing of distressing footage and urged the public to assist police with any information. He emphasized Liverpool’s strength in coming together during times of crisis.
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