Liverpool Van Attack Injures 47, Police Says, Police Says Driver Acted Alone/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A minivan crashed into celebrating Liverpool fans, injuring 47, including 4 critically. Police confirmed the 53-year-old suspect acted alone and ruled out terrorism. The city mourns after a celebratory parade turns into a scene of chaos and horror.
Liverpool Parade Tragedy Quick Looks
- Incident Location: Water Street, Liverpool city center
- Suspect: 53-year-old local man, no terrorism links, acted alone
- Casualties: 47 injured, 4 in critical condition; 4 children among victims
- Response: Swift emergency aid, widespread condemnation of online rumors
- Context: Parade celebrated Liverpool FC’s record-tying Premier League title win
- Authorities Speak: PM Keir Starmer and Mayor Steve Rotheram express grief, praise responders
Deep Look: Joy Turns to Horror as Van Rams Crowd at Liverpool Championship Parade
May 27, 2025
What began as a jubilant celebration for Liverpool Football Club’s historic Premier League title ended in heartbreak Monday evening, when a minivan tore through a crowd of fans near the River Mersey in downtown Liverpool.
Mass Casualties Reported
Emergency responders said 47 people were injured, with 27 rushed to nearby hospitals. At least four victims remain in critical condition, and four children were among those hurt. North West Ambulance Service spokesman Dave Kitchin confirmed that one child was trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by firefighters.
Merseyside Police say the suspect, a 53-year-old local man, acted alone. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and are not seeking additional suspects.
Disturbing Footage and Eyewitness Accounts
A video circulating on social media shows the van slamming into a man, launching him into the air, before plowing into a tightly packed section of the crowd. The vehicle then continued, pushing bodies before finally stopping.
“It was extremely fast,” said eyewitness Harry Rashid. “We heard the pop, pop, pop — people being knocked off the bonnet.” Rashid, present with his wife and daughters, described how the crowd swarmed the vehicle and smashed its windows, only for the driver to accelerate again.
Police and Community React Swiftly
Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram praised the rapid response of authorities. “Four people are very, very ill in hospital,” he said gravely.
Rotheram also noted that the police quickly released the suspect’s demographic profile to combat the online spread of misinformation. “Social media is a cesspit,” he said, warning against inflammatory and false rumors that could lead to further violence.
This response echoes efforts to avoid a repeat of last summer’s Southport incident, where misinformation led to riots targeting asylum seekers.
From Victory to Tragedy
Monday had been a celebration for hundreds of thousands of fans lining Liverpool’s streets to cheer their team’s record-tying 20th top-flight league title. Water Street, near the team’s bus parade route, had been packed with supporters draped in red, waving flags and singing.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences and support. “Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation. Liverpool stands together, and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”
Scene Investigation Underway
The site remained cordoned off Tuesday, with investigators piecing together the timeline of the crash. A blue forensic tent was set up amid scattered remnants of the celebration.
As the community reels from the tragedy, city officials and football fans alike are left asking how a night meant for celebration became one of devastation.
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