LIVERPOOL: A 53-year-old white British male from the local area was detained by police after a car careered through city-centre crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title success. He was interviewed later concerning possible charges of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.

An ambulance spokesman said 27 people, including four children, had been taken to hospital, two suffering from serious injuries including one child. Some 20 casualties were treated at the scene and others later self-presented at local hospitals.

Expressions of concern were issued by the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, other senior national and local politicians and community and football authorities.

The decision to release details about the driver was a lesson learned from the Southport killings when wild and irresponsible speculation filled an initial information void and contributed to provoking the violence which followed.

The crowd were attending Liverpool FC’s open-top bus parade in the city centre to celebrate its Premier League triumph, with fans lining the streets along the 10-mile route. The mood of noisy, happy delerium was then transformer into one of distress and disbelief.

The bus had driven past celebrating crowds at the end of Water Street around 6pm when a car tried to force its way through a crowd of fans, reversed, accelerated, reversed again shook off a fan trying to open its door and then careered on before being halted among fans who tried to smash its windows and bring it to a halt.

Jenny Sims, assistant chief constable of Merseyside Police, thanked all the emergency services and members of the public who came to the assistance of victims on what had been “a joyous day.” She said that incident was not being treated as terrorist-linked.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes in Liverpool as “appalling”, as he thanked the emergency services for their response to the “shocking” incident.

He added: “My thoughts are with all those injured or affected. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident. I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”

‘Shocking’ scenes

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the scenes as “truly shocking”. The home secretary said: “Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool this evening. Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I’m being kept updated on developments.”

Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool city region, said Liverpool would “stand together”. He added: “Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action. This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, said the incident was “deeply worrying”. She added: “My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident.”

Liverpool FC said in a post on X that the club’s “thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.”

The Premier League released a statement, saying “everyone at the Premier League is shocked by the appalling events in Liverpool this evening, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those injured and affected. We have been in contact with Liverpool FC and have offered our full support following this serious incident.”

Everton said “our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.” Other clubs issues similar messages included Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

#####