A Liverpool fan run down during the club’s victory parade has recalled how he “locked eyes” with the driver and “pleaded for him to stop” moments before being hit.
Jack Trotter, 22, had travelled from Northern Ireland with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, 22, to celebrate on Water Street when he was struck by a Ford Galaxy.
“Abbie was a few feet ahead of me, and I was just taking videos singing with Liverpool fans I’d never even met before,” Mr Trotter said. “Then I just heard her screaming my name, I put my phone down and by then I was face to face with the car.
“He had slowed down. And then I put my hands up and pleaded for him to stop, and he wasn’t stopping. Then he clipped me.”
Other fans helped Mr Trotter into a nearby pub until paramedics arrived. He was among more than 50 people injured, including children. Eleven remained in hospital on Tuesday in a stable condition.
A 53-year-old man from West Derby was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs. He remains in custody.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email Alexander.Ross@independent.co.uk
Read More
Key Points
- Man, 53, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving
- Driver looked 'emotional and agitated', says witness
- Home secretary Yvette Cooper arrives at scene of the crash
- Eleven still in hospital after 65 people injured, police say
- 'I collapsed onto a wall': Hospitalised victim recalls moment he was rammed by car
- Government opens injury compensation scheme for victims
Flowers pictured at scene of horror crash
21:29
,
Alex Croft
Driver looked 'emotional and agitated', says witness
21:00
,
Alex Croft
A witness has recalled seeing the driver of the vehicle which plowed through the crowd of Liverpool fans looking “emotional and agitated” before the incident.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Harry Rashid said he and his wife saw the driver of the vehicle clearly.
"He looked emotional, agitated, his hands were moving about,” Mr Rashid said. “He was trying to close the door of the car because people were trying to pull the door open.
"When he closed the door people were banging on the vehicle, the windscreens, the side windows, the back window.
"Within the next five seconds he managed to put his car into gear again and drive straight through the people in front of him."
Watch: Emotional Liverpool parade crash witness recalls moment she knew something was wrong
20:34
,
Alex Croft
On the ground | Inside the aftermath of one of Liverpool’s darkest days
20:12
,
Alex Croft
Treading slowly out of their Airbnb on to the heavily-policed street, the O’Brien family turned to inspect the aftermath of the appalling events the evening before.
Behind the tangled cordon, empty beer bottles and takeaway boxes were strewn across the deserted road. In the distance, a forensic officer checked the road surface for evidence.
For the sombre-looking family-of-four, it was like waking up from a violent nightmare, hoping it was just a dream. But it wasn’t.
Less than 24 hours earlier, the group were among thousands of joyous Liverpool fans packed into the street for their team’s Premier League-winning parade.
Our reporter Alex Ross writes from Liverpool:
What has the police investigation focused on so far?
19:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
Describing detectives as making “significant progress”, Det Chf Supt Jaundrill said on Tuesday afternoon: “Our detectives are speaking to many witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders, as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
“In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car before the incident took place.”
As senior figures questioned how the car was able to enter Water Street, police said “robust” traffic management measures had been briefly lifted to allow an ambulance through to treat a member of the public for a suspected heart attack. The car is believed to have followed the ambulance onto Water Street.
What is the timeline of events?
19:48
,
Jabed Ahmed
2.30pm on Monday: The 15km (10-mile) open-top bus parade begins, with an estimated one million people attending.
Just after 6pm on Monday: The collision happens roughly a mile before the parade’s finishing point, at Water Street, minutes after the Liverpool bus passed on that street.
The car stops at the scene. Police said a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area is arrested.
Around 10.30pm on Monday: A press conference is held, during which more details about the incident are disclosed. Dave Kitchin from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said 27 people were taken to hospital and 20 people were treated at the scene, with four children among the injured.
Tuesday morning: A police cordon remains in place at the scene, with a large police van parked in front of a blue tent on the road and officers stationed along the street, while the Strand has been reopened to traffic as usual.
3pm on Tuesday: Police hold a press conference to say a 53-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving. Eleven people remained in hospital, with a total of 65 people wounded.
Comment | The Liverpool parade crash has brought out the best in our police
19:39
,
Jabed Ahmed
Former Met chief superintendent John Sutherland writes:
As a police officer of more than 25 years – and as a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter – the events of Water Street on Monday evening were impossible to watch with anything other than a sense of abject horror. An occasion of joyous celebration turned, in just a handful of moments, into one of unspeakable trauma.
Whenever I see footage of police officers running in the opposite direction to a fleeing crowd, I remember my years in blue. The painful privilege of policing is to venture repeatedly into the hurting places: at the scenes of crimes, and of every kind of catastrophe. And, in those places, to see things that you can never unsee.
Read the full Voices piece here:
More pictures of home secretary Yvette Cooper at the scene
19:12
,
Alex Croft
How a city came together after Liverpool’s dream title parade turned into a nightmare
19:01
,
Alex Croft
This shouldn’t have been the story.
Crammed onto the waterfront like sardines, breathing in the red mist, Liverpool fans were realising a 35-year dream. In the pelting rain, it felt like nothing could dampen the mood. Their club were Premier League champions, and unlike five years ago, they were there to see it.
Little did they know the horrors that were about to unfold. A stone’s throw away, a car believed to be driven by a 53-year-old Liverpudlian ploughed into his own people. An devastating turn of events that left 65 fans, including four children, injured - some fighting for their lives. Cheers turned into screams. A dream turned into a nightmare.
Will Castle writes:
Liverpool parade police have ‘questions to answer’ over how car breached roadblock and ploughed into fans
18:47
,
Alex Croft
Police have “a lot of questions to answer” after a car is believed to have tailgated an ambulance through a roadblock at Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade and ploughed into a crowd of fans, injuring 65 people.
A top security expert has warned the horrifying incident should never have happened as officials faced tough questions about safety measures at Monday’s event, which saw up to one million fans flock to the city’s streets.
A 53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug driving was still being quizzed by police on Tuesday night as police scoured CCTV to work out how the car was able to breach road closures.
Crime correspondent Amy Clare-Martin and senior reporter Alex Ross report:
Liverpool car victim recalls moment he was rammed by driver
18:45
,
Alex Croft
Manchester Arena bombing survivor narrowly missed by car
18:33
,
Alex Croft
A survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing has revealed he was just 10 seconds away from where a car plowed into dozens of fans in Liverpool.
"It went from being an absolutely brilliant, fantastic day - city did itself proud as usual - to what we all thought the worst [terrorism]," Robby Potter - who was seriously injured in the 2017 attack when shrapnel went through his heart - told Sky News.
"I thought it was terrorism at first, I really did... not again," he said.
"People who were with us said get away, because they expect the car to blow."
Mr Potter avoided being hit by the car - but said it rammed into an area of Water Street which he was in just 10 seconds earlier.
"Thankfully, I was not affected this time. And you really got to just think about the families that have been affected... we really do."
Hospitalised victim details moment he was rammed by car
18:21
,
Alex Croft
Jack Trotter, who was yesterday hospitalised following the incident , has detailed the moment the car plowed into him.
Mr Trotter and his girlfriend, Abby Gallagher, were both hit by the car
He said he was “having a ball and singing away” before Abby “started screaming my name… and I sort of put the phone down and looked up”.
“The car just started ramming through people and when it got to my level it sort of slowed down, and I put my hands up in a way protecting myself but also trying to tell him to stop,” Mr Trotter told Sky News.
“He just tried to ram right through me, and as he tried I sort of dodged the middle of the bonnet - but he was able to clip my legs, and my back is completely gone now.
“When he hit me I was just spinning around and hitting into loads of people, and then the adrenaline kicked in and I just got myself back up. The first thing I done was try to get to Abby.
After this, he said the adrenaline wore off and he “collapsed on the wall” before he was lifted back up.
Abby said she was “very, very lucky” to avoid injury after spinning away and pushing herself from the bonnet as the driver rammed the crowd.
Home secretary arrives at scene of the crash
18:06
,
Alex Croft
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has arrived at the scene of yesterday’s incident, where she was shown around by police officers.
Forensics teams continued to gather evidence at the scene, as the home secretary watched on alongside Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram.
Watch: CCTV shows moment car enters parade street before hitting crowd of Liverpool fans
17:57
,
Alex Croft
Government opens injury compensation scheme to victims
17:44
,
Alex Croft
Political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
The government is pointing victims of the Liverpool victory parade incident to its Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
In a statement published on Tuesday, it said: "We offer our sympathy to all those who have been affected by this horrific incident.
"Victims injured in this incident can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for compensation.
"Compensation is payable to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
"You do not need a paid representative, such as a solicitor or claims management company, to apply for compensation. Free independent advice may be available from the Victim and Witness Information website or other charitable organisations.
"If you have been directly affected by this incident you can find out more about the Scheme and apply online."
Comment | The Liverpool parade crash has brought out the best in our police
17:25
,
Alex Croft
Merseyside Police’s response to a car ploughing into celebrating crowds has been a timely reminder of the force’s capacity for great humanity at the very worst of times, says former Met chief superintendent John Sutherland...
Merseyside Police 'adopts complete step change' after Southport attack
17:12
,
Alex Croft
Merseyside Police has adopted a “complete step change” in sharing information with the public after a car ploughed into a crowd in the city centre, one of its former inspectors has said.
Four children were among about 50 people injured during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade on Sunday, with the force not treating the incident as terrorism after a 53-year-old man was arrested.
Peter Williams, senior lecturer in policing at Liverpool John Moores University, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the quicker response was very different to what happened after the Southport terror attack in July last year.
He said: “It has been a shift, because, particularly in relation to the aftermath of Southport… there was a lot of criticism focused at Merseyside Police and of course the CPS, in relation to how the management of information was sort of dealt with.
“But also, if listeners cast their mind back further, is the investigation into Nicola Bulley as how the management of the information was responded to on that occasion. That led to a College of Policing inquiry.”
Mr Williams said one of the recommendations made after the Southport attack was to prevent any “vacuums” of information in future incidents, particularly where there is harmful online content.
He continued: “It was no surprise to me last night that within an hour or so, we got a statement to say what had happened and that somebody, a male, had been detained. Later on, there was a press conference led by the Assistant Chief Constable, where she shared a lot more information.
“As that investigation progresses, which will be a major one led by the major investigation team, that will be shared with the public, so there’s been a complete step change in how the police will be communicating what has occurred with the public.”
Witness recalls panic and tears as crowd surged into nearby bar
16:56
,
Alex Croft
Liverpool fan Alex Todd, who also runs fan account ‘Don Kopleone’ on X, told The Independent about the horrifying scenes in the immediate aftermath of Monday’s incident.
He was part of a crowd which surged into a nearby Hooters bar as the car plowed through the celebrating fans just metres away.
“Suddenly, I heard lots of shouting, felt a surge push me and tens of others into the bar, while one guy who had been standing next to me turned and sprinted in the other direction towards what I would later learn was the car,” Mr Todd said.
As soon as he heard about the car, Mr Todd said he was “panicking” about his little sister who had got caught up in the crowd a few metres behind him.
“I saw her falling through a crowd into the bar about twenty seconds later and she burst into tears immediately, the car had only been a few metres away from her,” he added. “I texted family group chats immediately to let people know there had been some kind of incident but for the moment we were together and safe.”
The bar went under lockdown for the next hour, the 25-year-old said, before they were let out through the back doors “quite shaken up but thankfully all safe”.
Watch: Police confirm suspect arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after Liverpool parade crash
16:46
,
Alex Croft
In pictures: Forensic teams continue working at crash site
16:37
,
Alex Croft
Police investigation focuses on vehicle movements before crash
16:20
,
Alex Ross, in Liverpool
At the press conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill explained more on the investigation.
The 53 year old man from West Derby in Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion on attempted muster, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit through drugs.
There have so far been 65 confirmed casualties, and officers are trying to identify others.
Det Chf Supt Jaundrill said: “Our detectives are speaking to many witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders, as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
“In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car before the incident took place.”
Praise for emergency services
16:08
,
Alex Ross, in Liverpool
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms highlighted the work of North Western Ambulance Service after first responders appeared at the scene with a matter of seconds.
“I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who weee on the scene of the yesterday’s incident with a matter of seconds,” ACC Simms told a press conference.
“Following such a shocking incident, they immediately ran towards an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous situation in an effort to protect members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm.”
‘Robust’ traffic management was in place, police say
16:00
,
Alex Ross, in Liverpool
As we’ve just been hearing, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms explained there was a closure in place on Water Street, from the junction of Rumford Street.
But when the road block was temporarily lifted for an ambulance to get through to attend to a man suffering a suspected heart attack, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms said it is believed the Ford Galaxy car was able to follow it.
We’ve asked if there was a cordon. It’s understood a vehicle was used to block the route into Water Street.
Police making ‘significant progress’ in investigation
15:54
,
Andy Gregory
Detectives are making “significant progress” as they investigate the incident in which 65 people were injured at Liverpool FC’s victory parade, police have said.
“I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that police detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill.
Watch: Car which hit crowds in Liverpool followed ambulance, police say
15:51
,
Andy Gregory
Police examining CCTV across Liverpool to establish car's movements prior to incident
15:49
,
Andy Gregory
Police are examining CCTV across Liverpool to establish the car’s movements prior to the incident, Merseyside Police has said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill told a press conference: “Our detectives are speaking to any witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene, and emergency responders as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened.
“In addition, extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car – a Ford Galaxy – before the incident took place.
“We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there last night. I thank them for their cooperation and support with our investigation, and I would encourage anyone who has not already contacted the police and may have information on this incident to do so.”
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug-driving
15:41
,
Andy Gregory
A 53-year-old man from west Derby was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences, and driving while unfit through drugs, Merseyside Police said.
He remains in custody and is being interviewed, said Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill.
There are 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment, said DCS Jaundrill.
Eleven people remain in hospital, police say
15:31
,
Andy Gregory
Eleven people are still being treated in hospital, Merseyside Police has said.
“Following the incident yesterday, I can confirm on behalf of the National Health Service that we are aware of 50 people who were treated at hospital for ongoing treatment,” Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms told a press conference.
“Of those, 11 remain in hospital for ongoing treatment. They are all in a stable condition and I am pleased to say that they appear to be recovering well.”
Police confirm 65 people injured in incident with 11 still in hospital
15:29
,
Tara Cobham
Police have confirmed 65 people were injured in the incident in Liverpool yesterday, with 11 remaining in hospital.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill told reporters today that emergency services have dealt with 65 casualties.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms and Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill told the press conference that 50 people were treated at hospital, with 11 remaining there for ongoing treatment.
She said: “They are all in a stable condition and I am pleased to say they appear to be recovering well.”
Police urge people not to share 'distressing' footage online
15:29
,
Andy Gregory
An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, Merseyside Police has said.
Members of the public are still asked not speculate on the circumstances and to refrain from sharing distressing content online, said Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms.
Incident not being treated as terrorism, police reiterate
15:27
,
Andy Gregory
There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place and the incident is not being treated as terrorism, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms has said.
Police say 'robust' road closure was lifted to allow ambulance through to treat suspected heart attack
15:26
,
Andy Gregory
Merseyside Police have said that the driver is believed to have accessed Water Street after “robust traffic management” measures were lifted to allow an ambulance through to treat a member of the public having a suspected heart attack.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms told a press conference: “The atmosphere was electric, but sadly just after 6pm the joy of the day dissipated quickly after more than 50 people were injured when a car collided with people gathered on Water Street.
“We had worked extensively with event organisers and key partner agencies in the months ahead of the potential parade and a robust traffic management plan was in place, which included a number of local authority road closures throughout the route and the city centre.
“This included Water Street, which was closed to traffic. It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.”
Steven Gerrard says he is 'shocked, sickened and saddened' at incident
15:15
Steven Gerrard has said he is “shocked, sickened and saddened” at the incident that unfolded in Liverpool yesterday.
The former Liverpool FC captain said in a post on Instagram: “Shocked, sickened, and saddened at the incident we all witnessed in our city last night.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved and their families.”
Live: Police give Liverpool parade crash update after man arrested
15:08
,
Andy Gregory
We are expecting the police press conference to begin shortly.
You can watch live here:
Police press conference about to start
14:59
,
Tara Cobham
The police press conference into the incident is about to get underway.
Merseyside Police said the press conference is due to start at 3pm.
'What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy,' say William and Kate
14:33
,
Tara Cobham
The Prince and Princess of Wales said they were “deeply saddened” by the scenes that marred Liverpool’s victory parade on Monday.
William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a personal message on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground. W & C.”
'I was just running in a panic – you just run for your life'
14:17
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s Alex Ross reports from the scene in Liverpool:
Donna Skeldon, 51, and her partner Chris Wilson, 52, came to the parade from the Isle of Wight.
Standing in Water Street, she started running away down a side street when she saw others fleeing the moving car.
"I was just running in a panic," she said. "We weren't sure what was happening, but when you see so many people running, you just run for your life because you don't know what's happening.
"We weren't sure what the banging was, whether it was gun shots or anything. It wasn't until we turned around saw people banging on the car, after getting it to stop, did we realise what was happening.
"We then got back to the hotel and had a stiff drink. Not until we saw on the news that we realised the full extent of it. It's horrible to think you're in that sort of situation. I feel very shaken."
.jpeg)
