A 53-year-old man has been arrested after his minivan struck multiple pedestrians during a soccer celebration in Liverpool, United Kingdom, injuring dozens. Police have identified the driver as a local resident and are investigating the incident, stating it is an isolated event and not linked to any other activity. The driver is not suspected of being involved in any terrorist act.
The incident occurred during a large public gathering where thousands of fans were celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League Championship victory. At least 27 people were taken to the hospital, with two suffering serious injuries, while 20 others were treated for minor injuries, including four children. One of the children sustained serious injuries. Firefighters had to lift the van to free three adults and one child, who were trapped beneath it. A cyclist paramedic at the scene was also struck by the van but was not injured.
Witnesses reported that the van began ramming people before coming to a stop, with the crowd charging the vehicle and smashing its windows. However, the driver then resumed the attack, causing further damage. One eyewitness described the chaos as ‘horrible’ and noted the driver’s apparent intent. The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for increased security measures for large public events.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences for the victims and praised the emergency services for their swift response. He emphasized the need for police to be given space to conduct their investigation without public speculation or interference. Merseyside Police have urged the public not to share ‘distressing content’ online and to report any footage or information to the authorities or Crimestoppers.
The incident is being compared to similar attacks in other parts of the world, including a recent car ramming attack in Mannheim, Germany, and a minivan incident in Los Angeles. These events have raised concerns about public safety during large celebrations and highlight the need for better crowd management and security protocols.