London, May 26 (AP) A 53-year-old British man was arrested after driving his minivan into a group of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their team's Premier League championship. Police responded quickly to the incident, deploying an air ambulance and other emergency vehicles to the scene.
"It happened very quickly," said Harry Rashid, who was present with his family and was only a few feet away from the incident. "We heard the noise of people being hit by the vehicle." Thousands of Liverpool fans had gathered to celebrate the team's record-tying 20th top-flight title win.
Peter Jones, who traveled from the Isle of Man for the parade, described the chaotic scene. He heard the vehicle collide with the crowd and saw several people lying on the road. "The car sped past us with people chasing it, trying to stop it," said Jones. "The vehicle then ploughed into the crowd, while police and medics rushed to assist those injured."
The Merseyside Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident, urging the public not to share distressing content online. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern over the event. He thanked the police for their swift response and extended his thoughts to those affected. "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling. My thoughts are with all those injured," Starmer said.
Though Liverpool last clinched the league title in 2020, fans could not publicly celebrate then due to pandemic restrictions. Despite adverse weather conditions, devoted fans lined the streets, waving scarves and flags, and climbed traffic lights for a glimpse of their beloved players. The parade, protected by a substantial police presence, followed a 16-km route through the city, with fireworks marking its conclusion from the Royal Liver Building.
The team extended their thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the event. Rashid recounted how the crowd retaliated after the minivan's initial attack, attempting to stop the vehicle. "But the driver accelerated again, causing further harm," Rashid explained. "It was a terrifying experience; my daughter screamed, and bystanders lay injured. We were just fans looking forward to a joyful occasion."