UK: 50 injured as car rams into crowd in Liverpool Premier L
UK: 50 injured as car rams into crowd in Liverpool Premier League win
At least 50 people were injured, including four children, after a car ploughed into a massive gathering of Liverpool fans celebrating the club's Premier League title win
LIVERPOOL — At least 50 people were injured, including four children, after a
car ploughed into a massive gathering of Liverpool fans celebrating the club's
Premier League title win in the city centre.
Of the injured, 27 have been hospitalised, with one child
and one adult reported to be in serious condition.
The horrifying incident took place on Water Street just
after 6 p.m. on Monday as celebrations were winding down. Videos circulating on
social media show the car speeding through crowds lining the street, at one
point swerving slightly away from the densest group of people.
Eyewitnesses described the car initially halting after
striking some victims, only for the driver to accelerate again, hitting dozens
more.
One eyewitness, Rashid, said, "People rushed toward
the car and started smashing its windows, but the driver kept going."
The car eventually came to a stop, where an enraged group
of fans surrounded it. Police officers had to intervene to protect the driver
and maintain order at the scene.
The driver, a 53-year-old white British man from the
Liverpool area, was arrested at the scene.
Police confirmed that he is believed to be the sole
person responsible and that no other individuals are currently being sought in
connection with the incident. Authorities have also ruled out terrorism as a
motive.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said,
"At just after 6 o'clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a
close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of
pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. A number of people have
been injured and were taken to hospital. In addition, a large number of people
of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital
treatment."
Sims urged the public not to speculate or spread
misinformation, stating, "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the
circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not
speculate or spread misinformation on social media... I can tell you 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,"
he added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident,
describing the scenes as "appalling" and extended his thoughts to
those injured or affected.
"The scenes in Liverpool are appalling -- my
thoughts are with all those injured or affected," Starmer wrote in a post
on X.
"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," he added.
