Police probe whether car tailgated ambulance before running into crowd
Detectives are probing whether the car which ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s victory parade tailgated an ambulance before running down pedestrians, PA reports.
It is understood Merseyside Police are investigating whether the driver attempted to follow an ambulance that was moving through the crowd.
The city’s metro mayor Steve Rotheram said the vehicle should not have been on the street and the “big question” was how the incident happened.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.
He said: “Water Street was not a route where vehicles were supposed to be using it, it was blocked off.
“At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards The Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway.
“The questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what they’re doing.”
Key events
The King has released a statement, adding to the chorus of well-wishers responding to last night’s events.
The King said: “My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday.
“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales said they were “deeply saddened” by the scenes that marred Liverpool’s victory parade on Monday.
William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a personal message on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground. W & C.”
Police probe whether car tailgated ambulance before running into crowd
Detectives are probing whether the car which ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s victory parade tailgated an ambulance before running down pedestrians, PA reports.
It is understood Merseyside Police are investigating whether the driver attempted to follow an ambulance that was moving through the crowd.
The city’s metro mayor Steve Rotheram said the vehicle should not have been on the street and the “big question” was how the incident happened.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.
He said: “Water Street was not a route where vehicles were supposed to be using it, it was blocked off.
“At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards The Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway.
“The questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what they’re doing.”
Medical staff who treated those injured when a car drove into crowds at the Liverpool victory parade have told Princess Anne they were “very, very fortunate” there were not more major injuries, PA reports.
Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where she met nurses, consultants and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, after 47 people were injured on Water Street after a car ploughed into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premie League title win.
Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky told Anne the injuries were not “major traumas”.
He said: “We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say.”
And consultant Jay Rathore said: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”
Steven Morris
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, has said the thoughts of people across the region were with Liverpool.
She said: “The thoughts of people across the West of England will be with all those affected by the awful events yesterday evening in Liverpool, after a day of joy became one of heartbreak.
“We are all praying for a swift recovery for everyone who was injured, and sending our love and support.
“Liverpool will always remain close to my heart. It’s where I went to university, the first place outside the West that I called home. Our kids are reds. As a region, the West of England stands with Liverpool and with Merseyside.”
Speaking from the scene, Steve Rotheram, the mayor of the Liverpool city region, spoke of the “true humanity” of the city and said he hoped that those injured would recover quickly.
Rotheram said: ‘Liverpool’s a city where there’s such warmth, and we’re a welcoming city … The solidarity of the people will shine through’.
Some other Liverpool players have reacted on social media to last night’s events.
Defender Joe Gomez posted on instagram: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected right now.” He signed the post off “YNWA” – the initials of the club’s you’ll never walk alone motto.
Midfielder Curtis Jones, who is from Liverpool, re-posted the club’s statement on the incident with a heart and prayer hands emoji.
Club legend Steven Gerrard posted: “Shocked, sickened and saddened at the incident we all witnessed in our city last night. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved and their families.”
Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk said he was “praying for a speedy recovery” for all those injured in the crash following the club’s title parade.
The Dutch defender posted on Instagram: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. We are all with you.”
A planned strike by Unite workers at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital was called off following yesterday’s incident in Liverpool city centre.
Over 50 lab workers were set to walk out today over concerns that staff burnout and understaffing was putting patients at risk, but the workers made the decision to suspend their industrial action following the incident last night.
Unite regional officer Derek Jones said: “Following yesterday’s tragic events in Liverpool, members took the immediate decision to suspend action so they could provide full support to the major incident which has been declared by the hospital trust.
“The dispute is not over and more action is planned – but we are urging Liverpool Clinical Laboratories to come back to the table and commit to addressing the problems with staffing and overwork.”
Everton, the other club Premier League team in Merseyside have released a statement: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the horrific incident on Water Street yesterday during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory celebrations.
“As a city we stand together,” the statement ended.
League Two club Tranmere Rovers, based in Birkenhead, Merseyside said on X last night: “All of our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening.”
Figures from across the sporting world and beyond reacted to the incident and sent their thoughts to those affected.
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler posted on X: “Heartbreaking news … absolutely sickened with what’s happened here in Liverpool.”
Former Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish said he was “shocked, horrified and deeply saddened” by the incident at the end of the parade.
NBA star LeBron James, who owns a small stake in Liverpool FC, said on X: “My deepest thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone affected that attended @LFC Premier League trophy parade today! Such a senseless act!”
Oasis frontman and Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher said on the social media platform: “Thoughts and prayers with all our brothers and sisters of LIVERPOOL”
Police in white forensic suits arrived on Water Street and began taking photographs of the area.
They could be seen going into a white tent at the scene.
If you have been affected by the incident in Liverpool and want to share your experience with our journalists, here is how to get in touch.