Incident Overview
On May 26, 2025, a tragic event occurred in Liverpool city centre during the Premier League victory parade celebrating Liverpool FC’s title win. At approximately 6:00 PM BST, a grey Ford Galaxy vehicle drove into a crowd of pedestrians on Water Street, moments after the team’s open-top bus had passed. The incident resulted in 47 injuries, including four children, with two individuals—one adult and one child—sustaining serious injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, rescuing four individuals who had become trapped under the vehicle. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested at the scene and is believed to have been the driver. Police have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and no further suspects are being sought.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing. One observer reported that the vehicle accelerated into the crowd, throwing people into the air before coming to a halt. Angry bystanders surrounded the car, smashing its windows, before police intervened to detain the driver. Another witness expressed shock at how the vehicle managed to enter the area, given the roadblocks in place for the parade.
Official Responses
Merseyside Police have confirmed that the arrested individual acted alone and that the incident was not an act of terrorism. The authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. In the aftermath, both Liverpool FC and their city rivals, Everton FC, expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “appalling” and praised the swift response of emergency services. Liverpool’s Chief Executive, Billy Hogan, also extended the club’s thoughts and support to those affected.
Community Impact
The incident has deeply shaken the Liverpool community, which had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the team’s success. The parade, which had been a symbol of joy and unity, was marred by this tragic event. Local establishments, such as the Riva restaurant, were transformed into makeshift triage centres to assist the injured. The city remains in a state of shock as investigations continue and support pours in from across the nation.
