Celebratory event in Liverpool disrupted as vehicle plows through crowd, causing numerous injuries.
Updated News: A 53-year-old man from Liverpool was apprehended after driving his car into a crowded celebration following FC Liverpool's championship victory, leaving several pedestrians injured.
In the heart of Liverpool, England, the incident unfolded during a city-wide parade commemorating the football club's title win, drawing a massive crowd. The collision occurred around 6 pm local time (7 pm CEST), according to police reports.
Witnesses report that the driver, now in police custody, quickly exited the vehicle after the impact. Police swiftly responded to the incident and made the arrest mere seconds later. The suspect resides in the Liverpool area, as stated by a police spokesperson.
Medical services are assessing the situation, with the North West Ambulance Service prioritizing immediate treatment for the injured. A rescue helicopter was also deployed at the scene. The precise number of injured individuals and potential fatalities have yet to be disclosed.
Although the investigation is ongoing, it remains unclear whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act. Police have cordoned off the area and, with a special anti-terror unit involved, are examining all possibilities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of Liverpool, have expressed their condolences and support for the authorities investigating the event. FC Liverpool also extended its sympathies to those affected through social media channels.
Meanwhile, disturbing footage of the incident circulated online, depicting the car driving into the crowd and appearing to deliberately target the pedestrians. Witnesses reported hearing screams and described the scene as chaotic, with objects such as traffic cones and bicycles scattered across the street.
Authorities have advised against speculating about the circumstances surrounding the incident and have asked that graphic footage not be disseminated publicly. They encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the police directly or submit it anonymously through the designated channels.
Previously, FC Liverpool had celebrated its championship extensively, with an open bus tour through the city. The victory parade was expected to attract up to one million people, making the incident all the more tragic. The Premier League has expressed shock over the events.
Sources: ntv.de, mpa/dpa/rts
- Traffic Collision
- FC Liverpool
- England
- Police Investigation
Update: Official statements from Merseyside Police confirm that the incident is "not being treated as terrorism." The driver, a 53-year-old white British man who is believed to have acted alone, was arrested and is the subject of an extensive investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading up to the collision [1][2][3].
Authorities have not confirmed at this stage whether the act was deliberate in regard to intentionally causing harm, and the investigation remains ongoing with more information expected to be disclosed as the inquiry progresses [2][3].
No indications from official sources suggest the act was a deliberate act of terrorism or targeted violence as of now [1][3].
- The community policy guidelines regarding public events in Liverpool, England, will likely be reviewed in light of the traffic collision that occurred during FC Liverpool's celebration.
- As the investigation into the collision progresses, the employment policy of local law enforcement agencies may undergo scrutiny, especially in regards to crowd management during large-scale general-news events such as championship victories.
- With crime and justice matters in focus, it remains critical for football clubs like FC Liverpool to uphold a clear employment policy ensuring the safety and security of their supporters during sporting events, given the recent incident.
- As the sports-betting industry continues to expand across European leagues, including the Premier League, it is essential that policies guard against potentially volatile situations despite the excitement surrounding football victories, such as the one that occurred in Liverpool.
