Liverpool Parade Tragedy: Children Among Injured After Car Ploughs Into Crowd in City Centre

A 53-year-old man has been arrested after a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians on Water Street during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Monday, May 26.

The shocking incident, which occurred just after 6pm, has left 27 people in hospital, including four children. Two individuals — one of them a child — sustained serious injuries.

Authorities have ruled out terrorism, describing the collision as a “horrific but isolated event”.

What We Know So Far

• A grey MPV struck crowds gathered on Water Street, near Liffey Court in Liverpool City Centre.
• 27 patients taken to hospital; 20 others treated on scene.
• Four people, including a child, were trapped beneath the car and later rescued by fire crews.
• The driver, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, has been arrested.
• The incident is not being treated as a terror attack.

Council Leader: “Dark Shadow Over a Joyous Day”

Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, called the incident “appalling”, adding:

“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.”

Robinson thanked the emergency services and asked the public not to share distressing footage on social media, instead urging people to forward such evidence directly to Merseyside Police.

 Emergency Services: “Horrified and Saddened”

Dave Kitchin from North West Ambulance Service confirmed:

• A cyclist paramedic was struck but uninjured.
• Ambulances transported victims to Royal Liverpool Hospital, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park, and Aintree University Hospital.
• St John’s Ambulance, air paramedics, and Hazardous Area Response Teams also responded rapidly due to their pre-planned presence along the route.

Fire Crews Rescue Trapped Victims

Nick Searle from Merseyside Fire and Rescue stated:

“Crews arrived within four minutes. We rapidly lifted the vehicle and removed three adults and one child from underneath.”

The quick response by fire and rescue personnel is credited with preventing more serious outcomes.

 Police Urge Calm, Continue Investigation

Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police said:

“A joyous day turned to tragedy. Our thoughts are with the injured and their families. This was not a terrorist incident.”

Police are asking the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and share any information or footage directly with investigators via 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

 Social Media Reactions

Social media was flooded with shock and support:

• “A dark day for Liverpool. Prayers for the victims.”
• “To the emergency crews — heroes, every single one.”

The Premier League, Liverpool FC, and city rivals Everton FC all issued statements expressing support for those affected.