Investigators probing the harrowing car crash that injured dozens during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade are examining claims the driver may have been attempting to follow an ambulance through crowds moments before the collision.
The incident unfolded on Water Street on Monday evening, where thousands had gathered to celebrate the club’s title win. A 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area was arrested at the scene after driving a car into the assembled crowd, injuring at least 47 people—20 of whom, including two children, were taken to hospital. Four people remain “very, very ill” in hospital, according to Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
While the motive is still unclear, one emerging line of enquiry is that the driver may have been tailgating an ambulance that was moving through the packed area. It’s believed that as the vehicle entered the closed-off city centre road, members of the crowd began to confront the driver. He is then alleged to have panicked and accelerated into the crowd.
A source told the Mail: “It looks as if he has panicked when he realised he was in the crowd and people began banging on his car. Instead of going back the way he came he’s got angry and put his foot down—it’s absolutely devastating.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police confirmed: “The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle. What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.”
Officers are conducting a full investigation to determine how the car accessed a pedestrian-only area and what led to the crash. The working theory about the ambulance tailgating is being actively pursued.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror. Dumisani Moyo, who had travelled from London and was staying nearby, said: “It was really horrific stuff. The car was still there, we could see it. People were lying hurt on the floor. It had been a beautiful day… and then that happened.”
Emergency services responded swiftly. Firefighters rescued four people trapped beneath the vehicle. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one of the trapped victims was a child. Police, ambulance, and rescue teams coordinated a large-scale operation in response.
While many of those injured have since been treated and discharged, several remain in hospital with serious injuries. Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses and footage from the scene.
Anyone with information or video footage is urged to contact Merseyside Police quoting incident reference 260624.
