A 53-year-old British man has been arrested after driving into a crowd during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade on Monday, leaving at least 50 people injured.
Merseyside Police confirmed the suspect, from West Derby, is being held on suspicion of attempted murder. He is also being investigated for dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill gave an update at a press conference on Tuesday.
“We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences, and driving while unfit through drugs,” she said. “He remains in custody, where he is being interviewed.”
The incident happened while fans gathered in the city to celebrate Liverpool’s Premier League triumph. The suspect reportedly followed an ambulance that was responding to a medical emergency and entered a road that had been closed off.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms explained, “The driver of the car was able to access the road after following an ambulance that was trying to reach someone who had had a suspected heart attack.”
A total of 50 people were treated in hospitals across the area. Eleven are still in the hospital, but police say they are in stable condition and “appear to be recovering well.”
The incident has drawn reactions from across the UK. King Charles said he was “deeply shocked” by what happened. Prince William, the Football Association’s patron, also expressed his concern: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.”
Police are still investigating the full details of the incident and are asking for any witnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward
