A disturbing incident marred the celebrations of Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English league title win when a car rammed into a crowd of fans, injuring 27 people, including four children. The driver, a 53-year-old white British man, was arrested at the scene, and police have confirmed that terrorism is not suspected as a motive for the incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the car swerved through the huge crowds hitting people in its path, just minutes after the players’ open-topped bus had passed nearby. Witness Harry Rashid described the scene as “horrible,” saying the car was moving extremely fast and that he heard the sounds of people being knocked off the bonnet. Four people, including a child, were trapped under the van and had to be freed by firefighters.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the incident is believed to be isolated, and they are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The police are conducting extensive inquiries to establish what led to the collision. Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended the “remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services” in response to the incident.¹ ²
The injured were taken to hospitals, with two people suffering serious injuries. Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed concern about the four people who were “very, very ill in hospital,” hoping they would pull through. The city’s council leader, Liam Robinson, said the incident had cast a dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city.
Liverpool FC and Everton FC both released statements expressing their thoughts and prayers with those affected by the incident. The Premier League also issued a statement expressing shock at the appalling events in Liverpool.
