Police and witnesses said a 53-year-old man was detained on Monday when a car crashed at a Liverpool Football Club trophy parade in Liverpool, England.
At about 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time), police were called to the scene in downtown 200 miles northwest of London.
Merseyside police said on social media that there were reports of a car colliding with “many pedestrians”. “The car was parked at the scene and a man was detained.” Police later said a 53-year-old British man from Liverpool was arrested.
“We are in direct contact with Merseyside police about the events that took place on the water street where the trophy parades,” Liverpool Football Club said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident.”
On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in the parade and lined up in the streets to watch Liverpool players showcase the Premier League trophy.
Harry Rashid, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, told The Associated Press that a car began to hit someone about 10 feet away from him.
“It's very fast,” Rashid said. “Initially, we just heard pop music, pop music, just got knocked over by the hood of the car.”
Another witness, Luke Dutch, told CBS News that driving seemed to be “intentional” and that “the driver just closed the door and didn't seem to care” before someone came.
Police did not immediately provide information about casualties.
Photos at the scene showed multiple ambulances and first responders, and an ambulance service said it was responding to the incident.
“As the road traffic collision is reporting, the Northwest Ambulance Service is supporting an incident in downtown Liverpool,” the organization said in a statement. “We are currently evaluating the situation and working with other members of the Emergency Service. Our priority is to ensure people get the medical help they need as soon as possible.”
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on social media: “The scene at Liverpool is shocking”.
“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected,” he wrote. “I want to thank the police and emergency services for their quick response to this shocking incident.”
Merseyside police said an investigation into the collision is underway.
“We will ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the Water Street incident in Liverpool tonight,” police wrote on social media. “Extensive inquiries are underway to determine what led to the collision.”
This is a developing story. Please check the update.
Emmet Lyons and
Contributed to this report.
