Everything that was said at Liverpool parade press conference as man hit by car speaks out

A press conference has been held after Liverpool fans were hit by a car during the club's Premier League title parade.

On Monday (May 26), Liverpool supporters lined the streets as they celebrated the club's 20th top flight title.

The event attracted a large number of fans after they were denied the chance to celebrate when Liverpool last won the Premier League during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the day was marred by a horrifying incident after footage circulated on social media showing a car driving down Water Street in the city centre, striking down many supporters.

Merseyside Police later confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man was arrested.

Speaking to BBC News NI from the hospital, Jack Trotter, who was hit by the car when walking down Water Street with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, said he was in 'absolute agony'.

During a press conference held at the Cunard Building, representatives from Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service read statements.

It was revealed that 27 people were taken to hospital, including four children.

Liverpool were celebrating their Premier League title on the streets of the city. Image: Getty

Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police, Jenny Sims, said: "Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.

"I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.

"This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.

"Sadly, 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."

She continued: "In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment. Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.

"Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates. The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.

"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 know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is 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."

Liverpool's Premier League title parade was marred by a serious incident on Water Street. Image: Getty

David Kitchin of North West Ambulance Service revealed that 20 people were treated at the scene and out of the 27 taken to hospital, two suffered serious injuries.

He said: "We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment.

"Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance, and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained serious injuries."

Nick Searle of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.

"Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 6.07pm, we immediately mobilised three fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in four minutes.

"On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and four persons trapped under a vehicle. Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed three adults and one child from beneath and passed them to our ambulance service colleagues.

“We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks."

Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council also read out a statement.

He began: "I'd like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre. It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

"I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to help those who were hurt and to our NHS staff treating them in hospital. We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.

"I would appeal for people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media - please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to help them with their investigation. We won't be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to."

Robinson added: "Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected. Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times.

"I've no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks."