Liverpool title parade marred by tragedy as vehicle crashes into crowd
A vehicle struck crowds during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade on 26 May 2025, injuring 27 people, including four children. Police arrested a 53-year-old man and confirmed the crash was an isolated incident, not linked to terrorism.
- A vehicle struck crowds during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade on 26 May 2025, injuring 27 people, including four children.
- Police arrested a 53-year-old man and confirmed the crash was an isolated incident, not linked to terrorism.
- One child and one adult remain in serious condition as investigations continue.
Celebrations of Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League triumph were overshadowed by tragedy on 26 May 2025 when a vehicle drove into crowds in the city centre, leaving 27 people injured, including four children.
The incident took place just after 6:00pm on Water Street, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the club’s open-top bus parade to mark its record-equalling 20th top-flight English title.
According to Merseyside Police, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested on suspicion of being the driver. Authorities have stressed that the crash is not being treated as terrorism-related but as an “isolated incident.”
Dozens injured, some in serious condition
Emergency services confirmed that 20 people received treatment at the scene, while 27 were taken to hospital for further care. Among them were four children. One child and one adult remain in serious condition.
Firefighters from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service were called to free four individuals trapped beneath the vehicle. The North West Ambulance Service deployed multiple crews to treat casualties.
Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said at a press conference:
“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.”
Chaotic scenes captured on video
Footage circulating on social media showed the horrifying moment the vehicle ploughed into spectators, throwing some into the air. Screams from the crowd alerted others, enabling several people to escape the car’s path.
Another video depicted bystanders converging on the vehicle, with some attempting to smash its windows. Police officers intervened swiftly to protect the driver from the angry crowd before taking him into custody.
Authorities urged the public not to circulate unverified claims. Sims emphasised:
“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.”
Police stress incident was isolated
Police confirmed that they are not seeking additional suspects. “We believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it,” Sims said.
The rapid disclosure of details about the suspect’s identity was seen as a move to reduce speculation. Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, told the BBC that releasing information swiftly was crucial in avoiding unfounded rumours about terrorism or ethnic motives.
Babu referred to riots in Southport in 2024, when false online claims about the attacker in a triple murder case fuelled violent unrest.
Community leaders express shock
The incident cast a shadow over what had begun as a joyous day for the city. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said:
“This has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for Liverpool. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also responded, calling the event “appalling.” On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected.” He confirmed he was receiving continuous updates from local authorities.
Football community offers support
Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing sympathy for those impacted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” the club posted on X.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, described it as “a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”
Everton FC, Liverpool’s cross-city rivals, also shared a message of solidarity: “Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city.”
Specialist officers have been deployed to support victims and their families, police confirmed.
A parade overshadowed
Earlier in the day, the streets of Liverpool had been filled with jubilant fans clad in red, cheering as Liverpool’s players celebrated their 20th league title on an open-top bus.
Under new manager Arne Slot, the team secured the Premier League crown weeks in advance, marking the club’s first domestic league triumph since 2020. The title also brought Liverpool level with Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight wins.
The parade was meant to highlight a historic season, but the accident transformed the atmosphere, leaving the city in shock.
Continuing investigation
Police have opened a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including whether medical, mechanical, or other factors were involved.
While speculation has circulated online, officials have repeated calls for patience and responsibility as formal enquiries proceed.
Updates from emergency services and city authorities are expected in the coming days as the condition of the injured becomes clearer.
