Police have been granted extra time to question a 53-year-old man accused of ploughing his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title, leaving dozens injured in what is now being treated as a suspected attempted mass murder.
Chaos on Water Street
The terrifying incident happened on Monday evening, just hours after Liverpool’s victory parade through the city centre. Thousands of fans had packed the streets to celebrate the club’s 20th league title when a grey Ford Galaxy veered into the crowd on Water Street near Dale Street, running down pedestrians in scenes described as “utterly chaotic.”
Witnesses say the vehicle came out of nowhere, with many fans initially mistaking the sound of the impact for part of the celebrations. Instead, it quickly became apparent something had gone horribly wrong.
At least 79 people were hurt in the attack. Seven remain in hospital, though all are said to be in a stable condition. Victims include young children, entire families, and elderly fans who had gathered peacefully to mark the club’s historic achievement.
Suspect Held Over Attempted Murder
The suspect, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. He was detained on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. Police confirmed on Wednesday that detectives have been granted additional time to continue questioning him.
A statement from Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition following the incident on Water Street. The number of people injured now stands at 79. We are now in contact with all of them.”
CCTV and Witnesses Crucial to Investigation
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said extensive CCTV footage is being reviewed to trace the movements of the suspect’s vehicle prior to the incident. She added: “We continue to support those still receiving treatment and are identifying more people who were injured. Detectives are making significant progress and our message remains the same—if you saw anything, we need to hear from you.”
Police are urging members of the public not to speculate on the motive and to refrain from sharing disturbing images or videos online.
Eyewitnesses Recall Horror
Several eyewitnesses have since come forward describing the panic as the car drove into crowds of fans. One father told reporters: “I saw a person get flipped into the air. I grabbed my kids and my wife and we ran.”
Pub landlord Bobby Dix managed to shepherd 80 people to safety inside his venue. “There was a couple who would’ve been hit if someone else hadn’t been knocked into them first,” he said. “It was horrible.”
Daniel Eveson described the moment he found his baby son’s pram had been dragged 15ft. “I didn’t know if he was alive. I thought I’d lost everything.”
Scene Cleared but Tensions Remain
Water Street reopened on Wednesday after police removed forensic tents and street cleaners worked overnight to clear away debris, including cans, bottles and football scarves. A mobile police station remains nearby and officers are continuing to patrol the area as the investigation intensifies.
