A 53-year-old British man was arrested after he plowed a car into the crowd of pedestrians in England who were celebrating Liverpool's Premier League victory at a Monday parade, resulting in injuries to nearly 50 people.
Several videos and footage shared by the users on X, showed the car ploughing into the group of people and then speeding up before coming to a halt.
Other footage shows people striking the car after it stopped, with the back windscreen shattered.
What happened?
According to the authorities, a man drove his minivan into the crowd of soccer fans in the northwestern English city at approximately 6:03 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025. Emergency vehicles and an air ambulance rushed to the scene to attend to the injured.
Merseyside Police initiated an investigation into the incident's circumstances.
How many are injured?
The incident resulted in the injuries of 47 people, including four children. Twenty-seven people were taken to the hospital, with two suffering serious injuries. While 20 were treated for minor injuries at the scene, according to authorities.
Four people were stuck beneath the vehicle and had to be freed by firefighters.
Eye witness recount horror incident
Witness Peter Jones reported hearing the vehicle collide with the crowd and observed several people lying on the road.
Another attendee, Harry Rashid, described how the vehicle paused after the initial impact. He noted that when people approached and damaged the vehicle's windows, the driver continued moving.
Celebratory mood shattered
BBC reporter Matt Cole, an eyewitness, observed a vehicle moving through the crowd that "just wasn't stopping". He noted that several men were pursuing the vehicle, attempting to "bang on the side of it and throw things at it".
According to his assessment, the vehicle's speed exceeded "more than 20 [mph]".
He initially thought the driver was simply attempting to push through the crowds due to impatience.
Matthew O'Carroll, aged 28, from Runcorn, another witness, observed the vehicle as it approached Water Street's summit.
He reported that the vehicle maintained a considerable speed whilst the driver repeatedly sounded the horn as they moved through the crowd.
'Not being investigated as an act of terrorism'
The police said the 53-year-old man is believed to be the only one involved in the incident and it was not being investigated as an act of terrorism.
“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 being treated as terrorism,” temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims told reporters.
PM Keir Starmer calls incident 'appalling'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is receiving continuous updates regarding the situation and described the events in Liverpool as "appalling".
On social media platform X, he wrote: "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."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her concern, stating that the images were "deeply worrying".
She stated: "My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident."
Both Liverpool FC and Everton FC have expressed their support. Liverpool FC confirmed its communication with police authorities and shared its concern for those affected by this serious situation, with Everton FC sharing similar sentiments.
Liverpool issued an official statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident."
Why were they celebrating?
The parade marked Liverpool's 20th top-flight championship, equalling a Premier League record.
While the team's previous league victory occurred in 2020, public celebrations were restricted due to COVID-19 measures.
Despite rainy conditions, Monday's parade proceeded, with supporters dancing and displaying team scarves as players rode atop two buses.
Liverpool secured the title following their victory over Tottenham in the previous month. Manchester United shares the distinction of 20 English league titles.