Liverpool parade collision: police to hold press conference – latest updates | Liverpool

The British health secretary, Wes Streeting, has posted on social media about the “horrible incident” in Liverpool.

“I would like to thank our amazing emergency services for their heroic actions this evening in Liverpool,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He added: “My heart goes out to everyone impacted in this horrible incident.”

Streeting finished his post by saying, about the National Health Service: “My Department is working with NHS England to keep across any developments for our NHS staff.”

Our north of England editor, Josh Halliday, has spoken to another witness.

Les Winsper, 55, witnessed the incident unfold right in front of him.

“People started banging on the [car] windows,” he said. “Then they smashed the windows and he panicked and put his foot down. He then hit someone and that person has gone in the air and he’s ploughed through the rest of them. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Winsper’s friend, Craig Steward, 52, said there was “chaos” with “people crying, children crying, shaking”

Both men said the incident lasted 20 to 30 seconds.

Winsper said the first victim was thrown “about 20 feet” in the air by the collision.

He added: “I personally think he’s hit someone by mistake … and then he’s put his foot down … It was the worst thing I’ve seen in my life, you see it on TV. That’s why all the kids are crying because they witnessed it … I’m traumatised”.

Liverpool city council leader Liam Robinson said the “appalling” incident has “cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day”.

In a statement, he said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.

“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day.

“We are working closely with Merseyside police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.”

Simon Harris, the tánaiste (deputy prime minister of Ireland), has said the country’s “thoughts are with the people of Liverpool this evening”.

“This was supposed to be a night of celebration for this city and Liverpool fans.

“Instead we are witnessing some devastating scenes unfold.

“My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are keeping me up to date with developments.

NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group, which operates four hospitals in the area, has urged members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones because next of kin would be contacted.

In a statement the trust said: “Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones.

“Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard.”

The north-west ambulance service said it cleared the scene at about 9.30pm and an update on casualty numbers will be given at a press conference scheduled for later on Monday.

A spokesperson said: “North West ambulance service has now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight. Details of this will be announced shortly.”

Some updates on those being treated inside the Riva restaurant, which took in people affected by the incident.

Andy Hunter, our Merseyside football correspondent, reports that two people have been taken out of the restaurant on stretchers and put in ambulances in the last 30 minutes. Both were sat upright and were talking to medics.

Josh Halliday, our north of England editor who is on the scene, said it is understood that about 30 people were treated for injuries or shock in the Riva restaurant, which is opposite Liverpool town hall, around the corner from the scene of the collision.

More political reaction is coming in.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative party, said: “The pictures emerging from Liverpool are deeply worrying. My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident.”

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said: “Horrified to see the scenes in Liverpool. My thoughts are with all of those affected and injured by this disturbing attack.”

Andy Hunter

Our Merseyside football correspondent, Andy Hunter, is on the scene.

He is reporting that emergency services are still on the scene on Water Street, with casualties being treated in the Riva restaurant nearby.

Josh Halliday

Outside the police cordon, Sonny Singh, 40, said he saw an injured teenager and dozens of people run past him “crying and angry” shortly after the collision.

“People were running, screaming … I saw a boy, probably about 15, holding his leg and bleeding. There were loads of people there,” he said, adding that he had heard the vehicle hit dozens of fans.

Singh, from Leicester, had been celebrating with his two sons, aged nine and 13, when the incident unfolded shortly after 6pm.

Local restaurants are reportedly opening their doors to treat those in medical need.

Paddy Edrich, a reporter at the Liverpool Post, said on X that people are being given medical attention inside a nearby Italian restaurant.

“People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs. Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services.”

The Merseyside police and crime commissioner, Emily Spurrell, has urged people not to speculate about the incident.

She said: “The footage from tonight’s parade is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with all those affected.

“A 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area has now been arrested.

“My thanks go to Merseyside police and our emergency service partners who have responded so swiftly.

“Updates will be provided as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’d urge people to please not speculate any further.”

Josh Halliday

One eyewitness said the vehicle reversed before “what seemed like an incredibly deliberate” acceleration into a crowd of people near the packed Water Street area of the city centre.

Footage appears to show the car hit a number of people before being surrounded by a crowd who apprehended the driver.

It is understood that St John Ambulance personnel were among the first at the scene to treat those injured, some of whom are believed to be in a critical condition. A reporter at the scene saw two “distressed” volunteer medics being comforted by colleagues as they made their way from the scene.