LIVERPOOL, England — A joyous celebration of Liverpool FC’s Premier League triumph turned into a scene of panic and injury as a car ploughed into a dense crowd of supporters on Water Street, leaving 47 people hurt, including four children, authorities said.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 6:07 p.m. Monday, where they found multiple people injured and several trapped beneath a dark-grey Ford Galaxy that had driven “full-throttle” into the throng. Witnesses described the chaos as people screamed and attempted to flee from the vehicle, which allegedly accelerated before veering into the celebratory crowd.
A 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, believed to be the driver, was arrested on site. Merseyside Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related, and no other suspects are being sought.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that 27 people were transported to hospitals, with two in serious condition. Another 20 were treated at the scene, and additional victims later sought medical care independently. An air ambulance landed near the iconic Liver Building, and fire crews worked swiftly to extricate four people, including a child, trapped beneath the vehicle.
Initial footage shared online shows the Ford Galaxy accelerating into the crowd, making a sharp turn before striking dozens of pedestrians. The vehicle came to a halt roughly 20 meters in, at which point enraged bystanders attempted to storm the car. Police intervened, forming a barrier to protect the suspect as the crowd smashed windows and demanded justice.
Witnesses said the atmosphere changed in an instant. Daniel Jones, 28, who had traveled from North Wales with his family, narrowly avoided the crash.
“My wife had just taken our son to the hotel. Thank God. I was horrified. There were paramedics treating people on the ground everywhere,” Jones told The Sun. “People tried to drag the driver out before police stepped in.”
Another local, Hayley, 42, described the panic: “There was screaming everywhere. I was with my autistic son and I was terrified. People were being thrown from the car, some went under the tyres. It should never have been allowed on Water Street.”
Chelsea Yuen, who dodged the vehicle with her friend and daughter, told Sky News, “It was like sardines, then suddenly people were screaming. The car was coming right at us.”
Merseyside Police are leading the investigation with early support from counter-terrorism units. Authorities emphasized the importance of not speculating on motives or sharing distressing content online. The public has been asked to submit any relevant footage directly to police.
“This is a live and active investigation,” the department said, urging witnesses to call 101 and quote log 784.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling,” and praised the “remarkable bravery” of first responders. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as “truly shocking.”
Liverpool FC issued a statement saying it was in contact with police and offered support to victims. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
The Premier League also expressed shock and said it had reached out to Liverpool FC to offer full support.
Local leaders reacted with grief and gratitude. Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.” Labour MP Justin Madders expressed hope for quick treatment for the injured and praised the emergency response.
The tragedy followed a day of euphoria in Liverpool, as tens of thousands took to the rain-soaked streets to honor Liverpool FC’s 20th English title, secured with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham. Earlier Monday, players greeted fans from atop the team’s open-top bus in a parade that drew people from across the UK and beyond.
As of late Monday night, Water Street was cleared, though an inflatable triage tent remained as investigations continued into the harrowing conclusion to what had been a day of celebration.
