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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 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.

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.

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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.

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“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.

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

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“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.

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“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)

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Man jailed after killing three-year-old girl in crash between van and tram in Manchester city centre

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Rawal Rehman

A man has been jailed after killing a three-year-old little girl in a crash between a van and a tram in Manchester city centre.

It comes after emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a tram and a van in Mosley Street in Manchester city centre at around 10am on Saturday (22 February), where it was found that the Mercedes van collided with the tram, forcing the van onto the pavement where it collided with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a three-year-old girl, was rushed to hospital shortly after, but despite the best efforts of all involved, sadly passed away from her injuries.

She was later named as Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano.

The driver – who was later named as Rawal Rehman, of Lambton Road in Manchester – left his vehicle and fled the scene in a taxi, but was subsequently arrested in a restaurant two days after the incident (24 February) after officers traced him through documents found in his van.

He was arrested for causing death by dangerous driving, and chose to plead guilty to the charge at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 22 April, before his sentencing took place today (27 May).

Tram and van crash
Family of girl, 3, killed in tram and van collision in Manchester pay heartbreaking tribute to her
A man has been jailed after killing a three-year-old girl in crash between a van and a tram / Credit: The Manc Group | GMP

Rehman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, as was also disqualified for 13 years and eight months until he passes a further test.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the tragedy was ‘completely avoidable’ and that Rehman’s ‘callous actions’ on that fatal day have changed a family’s lives forever, so he must now ‘face the consequences’ of his actions.

Lulu’s family also shared a powerful victim impact statement.

“Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world,” the statement reads. “Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

“No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child. The impact of that single, devastating moment has rippled through every part of our existence, emotionally, physically, and financially.

“Our lives have changed beyond recognition.”

The family went on to express their gratitude for GMP, all other emergency services, and those who stood with them during this ‘harrowing’ time.

“We remain united in our grief and in our love,” their statement closed out.

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“Lulu’s memory lives on in us – in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name, to celebrate who she was, and to ensure that her light is never forgotten.”

Featured Image – GMP

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A premium car brand is opening up its first-ever UK city garage in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Cupra showroom opening in Manchester city centre June 2025

Premium performance car brand, CUPRA, is set to open its first-ever UK city centre garage right here in Manchester next month.

It’s just their 12th British branch and will be one of their most impressive yet.

CUPRA, which primarily makes its models in Spain, is one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in Europe, especially in the performance market, and has recently launched in the likes of Mexico City and Sydney too.

Now set to open their latest location here in England this June, the new CUPRA space is set to be more than just your average garage/car showroom.

cupra cars manchester location
The CUPRA Formentor model (press shot via cupraofficial.co.uk)

Due to open up on St. Ann Street (Manchester M2 7LP) next to the city centre square of the same name, the premium dealer is promising more than just a space to show off their cars.

As per an official statement, it will be “a bold new destination that blends Mediterranean attitude with Manchester’s disruptive spirit.”

Detailing that they chose our home due to its “unrivalled cultural impact and creative energy”, they went on to describe Greater Manchester as a “high-impact cultural hub rooted in music, design, wellness, food, and electrifying performance, it’s designed to connect people, ideas, and communities.”

The press release goes on to explain that at the core of CUPRA’s Manchester launch will be their new ‘Counter Culture‘ calendar of immersive experiences and events, with this new venue looking to innovate when it comes to programming and collaborations with Manchester independents and more.

CUPRA have steadily been announcing their arrival in town via various special activations, but come 26 June, they’ll be here full-time.

Speaking about the launch, Marcus Gossen, CUPRA UK Brand Director, said: “Manchester was the natural destination for the latest CUPRA City Garage. The desire to continually evolve and transform is something we share with this great city, as well as its disruptive spirit.”

Having surpassed 800,000 cars sold worldwide and boasting big sponsorship deals with famous athletes like FC Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, not to mention being a leading partner of the rising Baller League competition, their presence in the UK is growing, and fast.

To mark the occasion here in 0161, a special launch event with live music, entertainment, as well as food and drink, will be taking place; the lineup is still yet to be announced.

Once again, CUPRA Manchester – their first UK city garage and showroom – opens in 2–14 St. Ann Street on Thursday, 26 June.

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Featured Images — Press Shot (supplied)/Vid Mušič (via Pexels)/8000vueltas (via Flickr)

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