Merseyside Police issue major update on Liverpool parade incident as 27 people taken to hospital

Merseyside Police have issued an update after pedestrians were struck by a car in the aftermath of Liverpool FC's Premier League title parade.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims from Merseyside Police confirmed a number of people have been hospitalised following the shocking incident on Water Street in Liverpool.

The police believe the 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area currently under arrest was the driver of the vehicle and that the event was an isolated incident.

It is not being treated as a terrorist act and police are not searching for anyone else.

Dave Kitchin from the North West Ambulance Service confirmed 20 patients were treated at the scene. 27 patients were taken to hospital by ambulance. Two, one of which was a child, sustained serious injuries. Four of the injured were confirmed to be children. A paramedic on a bike was also struck by the vehicle but was not seriously injured.

Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Nick Searle, confirmed three adults and one child were trapped underneath the vehicle and were passed to the ambulance service after being freed.

A car collided with pedestrians on Water Street (Getty)

Distressing videos of the collision were shared online showcasing sickening images of a black vehicle colliding with pedestrians.

A man from Northern Ireland is being treated in hospital after being struck by the vehicle. Jack Trotter and his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher were hit by the car as it drove into fans and told BBC News NI from hospital that he was in "absolute agony".

Merseyside Police previously asked people not to share the footage online and asked for people not to speculate on events.

Their statement read: “We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre," the statement from a spokesperson read.

"We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.

"We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784.

"Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the incident on X, writing: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — 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.”