On Monday evening, a car plowed into a crowd of Liverpool fans, causing 47 people, including four children. The incident occurred during a Premier League victory parade through Liverpool’s city centre by the city’s official football team.
Here’s what we know about the incident, victims, suspects and rescue operations:
what happened?
Shortly after 6pm (17:00 GMT) on Monday, a car crashed into a crowd of Liverpool fans celebrating Liverpool’s victory in the Premier League football title.
Fans were gathered to see the sights of the Liverpool football team, who paraded the trophies into the area at the moment of an open-top bus before the incident. The car accident took place about a mile (1.6 km) before the finishing point of the 10-mile (16 km) parade.
The video circulating on social media saw the car zigzag through a crowd of fans, which are ostensibly covered with Liverpool FC products. Several people were thrown into the air when they hit the car.
Merseyside police said they were called shortly after the incident.
When the car stopped, members of the crowd were angry and smashed the windows. Police had to intervene to prevent them from reaching the driver.
Who was driving in Liverpool?
Police said they had arrested a “53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area” whom they believed was driving the car.
They have not yet released additional details about the driver or his motivations.
Where did the crash occur in Liverpool?
The crash took place on Water Street, located in the city centre and near the chains. The streets house historic buildings, including the Olier Chambers, an office block built in 1864. Liverpool is located in the northwest of England.
What do you know about the victims?
Dozens of people, including four children, have been injured in the incident.
Of the victims, 20 people suffered minor injuries and were treated on-site without requiring hospital treatment. A further 27 people were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Authorities said two people hospitalized, including one child, were seriously injured.
Is the incident being treated as “terrorism”?
Police said the incident was not treated as a “terrorism incident.”
“We believe this is an isolated incident and are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with it. The incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack,” temporary deputy prime minister Jenny Sims told reporters.
“We urge Merseyside police not to allow them to investigate them so they don’t speculate on the motives behind this horrifying incident,” Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said at a press conference late Monday.
What actions did the authorities take?
Late Monday, police officer Sims told a media briefing that several people were treated at the scene and many were taken to hospitals.
She added that coworkers from police emergency services from the Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) also attended the scene.
NWAS executive Dave Kitchen said ambulances were dispatched and dangerous area response teams, including ambulances, ambulances, doctors and senior clinicians, were dispatched.
“Our emergency ambulance took patients to NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alderhey, Arrow Park and Eintree Hospital,” Kitchen said to the injured hospital, referring to the injured hospital.
MFRS chief fire chief Nick Sahl told the press conference that after learning about the incident, he immediately dispatched three fire trucks to Water Street. “Our crew quickly lifted the vehicle, took people away from underneath it and handed it over to their ambulance colleagues.”
Liverpool City Council leader Robinson told a press conference that the incident “shatters a very dark shadow on what was a fun day.”
“We are working closely with the Merseyside police to support the investigation and working closely with other relevant organizations to ensure that those affected receive appropriate support,” he added.
What’s the latest on the ground?
In an X update on Monday evening, the NWAS wrote that “the scene was cleared following the incident in Liverpool.”
“Special officers have been introduced to support injuries and their families,” Sims said.
She asked people to refrain from sharing “painful footage” of the incident, adding that information, including video footage, could be submitted to the Major Case Police Portal (MIPP).
“My firefighters will maintain a visible and encouraging presence in the coming days and weeks,” MFRS’ Searle said.
What’s your reaction to Liverpool’s crash?
“The Liverpool scene is horrifying. My thoughts are with all those injured or affected,” British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer wrote in the X-Post. “We would like to thank the police and emergency services for their prompt and ongoing response to this shocking incident.”
The Liverpool scene seems horrifying. My thoughts are for everyone injured or affected.
We would like to thank the police and emergency services for their prompt and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
I’m kept up to date with development and ask the police to give it to me…
– Keir Starmer (@keir_starmer) May 26, 2025
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotherham said, “Our minds are focused on all the people affected, especially the injured. As ever, we would like to thank our first responders for their professionalism and quick action.”
Our minds come to all the people affected, especially those who were injured.
Thank you for responding to their professionalism and prompt action as always.
This is a difficult day for our urban areas, but we are standing together. https://t.co/ua4xsy2ujx
– Steve Rotheram (@metromayorsteve) May 26, 2025
X’s Liverpool FC account states, “Our thoughts and prayers are thoughts and prayers with those affected by this serious incident.”
We are in direct contact with Merseyside police regarding an incident on Water Street that took place earlier tonight towards the end of the Trophy Parade.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident.
We will continue to offer…pic.twitter.com/xreisqienl
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025
Car Accidents to the Crowd: Is this the first time for Liverpool fans?
Sadly, no. Liverpool fans were previously killed, injured, or injured in a clash with rival fans or intentional attacks. Fans from other clubs have been suffering as a result of Liverpool fans’ attacks.
In 1985, Liverpool supporters were accused by Juventus fans in the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus at Haysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. Juventus fans were pushed against the wall, which collapsed, crushing some of the fans. Thirty-nine people have been killed and 600 have been injured. Most of the victims were Juventus fans or other Italians watching the match.
In 1989, a fatal crowd was crushed at the West Stands at Hillsboro Stadium in Sheffield, England, killing 97 Liverpool fans during FA Cup matches between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
One of the victims died in 2021 at the age of 55 after suffering a life-changing injury during a crash. The unruly fans were initially criticized, but it was ultimately concluded that it was a police mismanagement that caused the crash. Fans were allowed to enter the overcrowded stadium.
Most recently, in April 2018, Sean Cox, a Liverpool fan and father of three, was attacked by fans of Italy-based football club Roma before the Champions League semi-finals. The attack took place at the Albert Pub near Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. Cox was left with severe head injuries. In 2019, Rome’s Juan Simone Mastrelli was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty. In April 2023, Cox was able to walk again with the help of an exoskeleton.
