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Police not treating incident at Liverpool FC parade where car ploughed into crowds as ‘terrorism’

A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.

Emily Sergeant - 27th May 2025

The tragic incident at the Liverpool FC title parade where a car was driven at speed through crowds of people is not currently being treated as ‘terrorism’, police have confirmed.

Hundreds of thousands of fans all lined the streets of Liverpool yesterday as the Merseyside team took to open-top buses and paraded their newly-claimed Premier League title trophy through the city centre, soaking up all the well-deserved praise and admiration by those who had been with them every step of title race throughout the season.

But as, as the players and fans enjoyed their moment of celebrations, reports came in and shocking videos began to surface on social media of a car driving through the crowds at speed, and knocking down several pedestrians in the process.

We are currently dealing with reports of an RTC in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Mon 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male detained. pic.twitter.com/1qomVIDuqB
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) May 26, 2025

It has now been confirmed by Merseyside Police that emergency services were contacted just after 6pm yesterday (Monday 26 May) following reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street, and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was detained at the scene and subsequently arrested.

In the immediate aftermath of the shocking incident, police urged the public not to ‘speculate on the circumstances’ surrounding it, as extensive enquiries and investigations are currently ongoing to establish this.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims later issued a formal statement addressing the ongoing situation as it unfolded.

Liverpool FC title parade — Police are not treating the incident at the Liverpool FC parade where a car ploughed into crowds as ‘terrorism’ / Credit: Liverpool FC (via Facebook)

Her statement reads in full: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in the horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place. I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies, and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following the shocking events.

“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade, but sadly at just after 6pm this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital. In addition, a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

Watch our press conference following tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1sZW5oMcmy
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) May 26, 2025

“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.

“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.

“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.

“It is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.

“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight but what I can tell you is that 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 currently being treated as terrorism.”

Featured Image – Liverpool FC (via Facebook)