International
Car crashes into Liverpool Premier League parade crowd, injuring 27 in non-terror-related incident
A vehicle struck crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League title on 26 May 2025, injuring 27, with one child and one adult seriously hurt. Police confirmed the suspect is a 53-year-old local man and the crash is not terror-related.
UNITED KINGDOM: A celebration of Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title turned tragic on 26 May 2025 when a vehicle drove into large crowds gathered in the city centre, injuring 27 people, including four children.
Police confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area had been arrested on suspicion of being the driver involved in the incident.
Authorities stated that the crash was not being treated as a terrorist attack, but described it as an “isolated incident”.
The crash occurred just after 6:00pm on Water Street, where thousands of supporters had lined the streets as part of the club’s victory parade.
The parade had marked Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, secured weeks earlier under manager Arne Slot.
Dozens injured as vehicle strikes crowd; child and adult in serious condition
Twenty people received medical treatment at the scene, while 27 were taken to hospital, including four children. One child and one adult were reported to be in serious condition.
Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims, speaking at a press conference, extended sympathy to all those affected.
“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,” she said.
Emergency services responded promptly, with the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service attending the scene.
Four individuals who were trapped beneath the car had to be freed by firefighters.
Footage shared on social media captured the horrifying moment the vehicle ploughed into spectators, with some thrown into the air. Screams from the crowd alerted others, enabling some to escape the car’s path.
One video showed bystanders converging on the vehicle and smashing its windows before police intervened to protect the driver.
People are stuck underneath the Liverpool car used to ram through a parade 😨 pic.twitter.com/f2oq7tVnyB
— Nesly Lexine (@NeslyJunior24) May 26, 2025
According to Sims, “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.”
Authorities confirmed they are not searching for additional suspects.
“We believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it,” Sims added.
The rapid release of the suspect’s identity details appeared to be a calculated move by police to prevent online speculation.
Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent in London’s Metropolitan Police, told the BBC that the immediate disclosure aimed to quell fears of an Islamist-related attack, which had fuelled riots in previous incidents.
In one such case last year, in the nearby town of Southport, the murder of three girls led to significant civil unrest after false rumours circulated online regarding the background of the alleged attacker.
Liverpool city council leader Liam Robinson said the event had “cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day”.
The city had earlier seen a sea of red as supporters gathered en masse to cheer the team on an open-top bus.
Leaders and football community express shock and support after parade tragedy
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the event as “appalling”, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “My thoughts are with all those injured or affected.” He also confirmed he was receiving updates on the situation.
Liverpool FC released a statement on X, expressing solidarity with those impacted.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” the club said.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, echoed those sentiments, saying it was “a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together”.
Everton FC, Liverpool’s cross-city rivals, also issued a message of support, stating, “Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.”
Authorities said specialist officers have been assigned to support the injured and their families.
Additional updates are expected from emergency services in the coming days.
The incident overshadowed what had been intended as a jubilant display of footballing success, as Liverpool’s historic season ended with the club capturing the Premier League title with four games to spare.
