The man at the centre of the horrific crash that injured scores of Liverpool fans during Monday’s Premier League trophy parade has been identified as a 53-year-old married father of three from the West Derby area of Liverpool.
The suspect, who runs his own company and lives in a detached £300,000 property in a quiet cul-de-sac, remains in custody today as Merseyside Police continue to question him on suspicion of multiple counts of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs.
Officers were granted an extension to hold him as they study dashcam footage from his grey Ford Galaxy, which ploughed through fans on Water Street shortly after 6pm—just moments after the Liverpool FC team bus had passed nearby.
‘It Just Doesn’t Make Sense’ – Neighbours React
Neighbours expressed disbelief at the incident, describing the suspect as a “fantastic guy” and a “family man” who had helped them in the past.
“They’re a nice family,” one neighbour said. “The boys are well-behaved, he’s a good guy. It’s completely out of character—maybe he panicked or had a breakdown?”
The man’s wife and teenage children have not commented, but are said to be devastated. Social media posts show the family enjoying holidays abroad, including a visit to Disneyland.
Vehicle Reportedly Followed Ambulance Through Barricade
Police say the suspect’s car gained access to the parade area by tailgating an ambulance that had been allowed past a temporary roadblock to reach a fan suffering a suspected heart attack. Contractors had briefly moved a truck used to seal off Water Street.
Footage shows fans banging on the Ford Galaxy’s windows before it suddenly accelerates, hitting dozens. Four people were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by fire crews.
Detectives say they are working to understand whether panic, recklessness, or intent drove the actions.
Casualties and Survivor Accounts
Seventy-nine people were injured in total, with 50 requiring hospital treatment. Eleven remain in hospital, including children.
Among the most harrowing accounts came from Daniel Eveson, 36, from Telford, who was celebrating with his family when the car struck his fiancée and dragged their five-month-old son’s buggy 15ft. “It’s nothing short of a miracle we survived,” he told reporters. “Ted is our Super Ted.”
His fiancée, Sheree Aldridge, suffered serious leg injuries.
Investigation Ongoing
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said today: “We are making significant progress in establishing the full circumstances. The number of those in hospital is falling, and we continue to support all victims and their families.”
Police maintain the incident is not being treated as terrorism, and no other suspects are being sought.
Debate Over Suspect’s Identity Disclosure
The decision by Merseyside Police to release the suspect’s ethnicity within hours—describing him as a “white British male”—was praised by city leaders as a way of quashing online misinformation and racist speculation.
Mayor Steve Rotheram said it was “absolutely the right thing to do,” referencing false rumours that had begun to circulate minutes after the crash.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley echoed the stance, stating on BBC Radio 4: “Trying to avoid truths when half the truth is in the public domain is going to be quite difficult going forward.”
Public Response
The incident has sparked national attention, with The King issuing a message calling the events “truly devastating,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the crash had marred what should have been a joyful celebration.
As police continue their inquiries, the people of Liverpool remain in shock—united in grief for the injured and determined to uncover what led to a moment that turned celebration into tragedy.
