What began as a day of celebration for Liverpool fans quickly spiraled into a nightmare after a car rammed into crowds during the trophy parade, leaving dozens injured and the city in shock.
The streets were flooded with fans eager to cheer their football heroes, but by the evening, the mood had turned somber.
As of now, 79 people have been confirmed injured, with seven still in hospital.
The man believed to be behind the wheel—a 53-year-old from West Derby—is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, drug driving, and dangerous driving.
Merseyside Police have been granted more time to question him.
The Incident: What Happened on Water Street?
The chaos erupted around 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, right near the Liverpool waterfront.
According to reports, the suspect tailgated an ambulance that was responding to a medical emergency, then sped through a blocked-off area and ploughed into fans at speeds up to 30mph.
Water Street, usually closed off to traffic for the event, became the scene of horror as people were flung into the air and some became trapped under the car.
Emergency services rushed to pull out the injured—including a child—from beneath the vehicle.
Police have described it as nothing short of a miracle that no one lost their life in the incident.
A Royal Message of Support
In the aftermath, King Charles offered his heartfelt support to the people of Liverpool, describing the attack as “truly devastating.”
He praised the city’s strength and community spirit, expressing hope that it would provide comfort to those affected.
Prince William and Princess Kate also issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by what had happened on a day that should have brought joy to thousands.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said investigators were working tirelessly to uncover exactly what led to the chaos.
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from across the city and are in the process of speaking to all 79 known victims.
She reassured the public that detectives are making “significant progress” and urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.
Authorities have also pleaded with the public to avoid sharing disturbing content online.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Terrifying Picture
Jack Trotter, who had traveled from Northern Ireland with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, shared the horrifying details of their encounter with the car.
He said he genuinely feared for his life—and for his son back home.
“I thought I was going to die,” he told Sky News. “This wasn’t an accident.
He knew exactly what he was doing.”
Abbie recounted being thrown onto the bonnet and getting separated in the chaos.
“People were crying, screaming—it was terrifying,” she said.
The couple was eventually reunited when Jack heard her screaming nearby.
He was later carried into a bar where paramedics treated him before he was taken to hospital.
From Celebration to Catastrophe in Minutes
The parade, which had kicked off in the afternoon, was a massive citywide party.
Fans lined the ten-mile route waving flags, setting off flares, and singing in celebration of Liverpool’s 20th league title.
The team bus passed the Royal Liver Building shortly before the attack occurred.
Within minutes, the streets were filled with panic instead of cheer as the Ford Galaxy cut through the crowd.
The Suspect’s Disturbing Behavior
Footage circulating online shows the white Ford Galaxy acting erratically before the crash.
It reversed into a man who had kicked at the vehicle, then lurched forward again despite fans banging on the windows and trying to stop it.
When police reviewed video from Dale Street—just before Water Street—they saw the car inching through crowds, appearing agitated.
Even after fans tried opening the door, the driver forced it shut and continued revving the engine.
By the time it reached Water Street, the vehicle’s back window was smashed and the crowd had grown increasingly distressed.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said there was no intelligence suggesting an attack was planned.
She insisted that police had prepared a “robust” traffic management plan, which included multiple road closures in anticipation of the parade.
However, questions remain about how the vehicle managed to gain access to Water Street.
A parked truck that had been used as a blockade was temporarily moved to let an ambulance through—and the suspect’s car took that opportunity to slip past.
Political Leaders Demand Answers
Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram has said “legitimate questions” need answers, especially regarding how the car accessed the closed-off route.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the scene and was seen talking with police near the cordon.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the events “utterly devastating” and offered his support to the victims.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described it as “sickening,” particularly given that many of those hurt were children.
What Comes Next?
Merseyside Police are continuing their investigation, reviewing CCTV, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the events before and after the crash.
The arrested man remains in custody, and authorities are expected to provide another update soon.
In the meantime, the city of Liverpool is still reeling from what was supposed to be one of its proudest days—now forever marked by an act of chaos and violence.