A 53-year-old British man drove a minivan into a crowd of Liverpool supporters celebrating their team’s Premier League victory on Monday, leaving more than 45 injured as cheers turned to screams. Authorities confirmed the suspect acted alone, with no indication of terrorism.
The driver, described as a white male, was arrested at the scene. Police emphasized that they are not treating the incident as a terror attack. Emergency services transported 27 people to hospitals, two with serious injuries, while 20 others received treatment for minor wounds. At least four children were among the injured.
Tragically, four victims—including a child—were pinned beneath the van, requiring firefighters to lift the vehicle to free them. A paramedic on a bicycle was also hit but escaped unharmed.
“This has darkened what should have been a day of celebration for our city,” said City Council leader Liam Robinson during a late-night press briefing.
The attack occurred as the victory parade was ending. Witnesses described a gray minivan swerving into the crowd, sending people flying. Social media footage captured the van striking a man, hurling him into the air before plowing through a dense group of fans.
“It happened so fast,” said Harry Rashid, who was with his family when the van sped past. “We heard loud thuds—people being hit. The crowd rushed the van, smashing windows, but the driver accelerated again, running over more people. It was horrific.”
Rashid believed the act was intentional. “My daughter screamed—people were lying on the ground. They were just fans enjoying the parade,” he said.
Liverpool had gathered in massive numbers to celebrate the club’s record-tying 20th top-flight title. Peter Jones, who traveled from the Isle of Man, recalled hearing the crash and seeing multiple victims. “People chased the van, trying to stop it, but it kept going. Police and medics rushed in, treating people on the roadside,” he said.
Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing disturbing content online. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, praising responders’ courage. “No one, especially children, should fear celebrating their team,” he said. “Liverpool has always united in tough times—today, the nation stands with them.”
The tragedy evoked painful memories of the Hillsborough disaster 36 years ago, where 97 Liverpool fans died in a stadium crush. The club’s last title celebration in 2020 was muted due to COVID-19 restrictions, making this event highly anticipated.
Despite heavy rain, fans lined the streets, climbing traffic lights to catch a glimpse of the team on open-top buses. The parade, guarded by a strong police presence, wound through a sea of red smoke and fireworks.
Liverpool FC and the Premier League issued statements expressing shock and solidarity with the victims. Police identified the suspect’s ethnicity, likely to prevent misinformation—a concern heightened after false rumors about a separate attacker last year led to riots targeting refugees.
Investigations continue into the driver’s motives. For now, the city mourns a day of triumph turned tragic.
