Driver in Liverpool parade ramming arrested for attempted murder, believed to have been on drugs
The suspect accused of ramming a car into a crowd in Liverpool at a Premier League victory parade on Monday has been arrested for attempted murder, reckless driving and is believed to have been on drugs during the incident, officials said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Merseyside Police said on Wednesday that 79 people were injured in the incident, and seven -- all in stable condition -- still remain in the hospital.
Officials said a robust traffic plan was in place for the parade, which included Water Street -- where the incident occurred. But, the street was temporarily reopened for an ambulance to treat someone suffering a suspected heart attack, and the 53-year-old suspect followed the ambulance inside the crowd.
The ramming is still not being treated as terrorism and authorities are continuing their investigation. The suspect remains in custody and is being interviewed by officials.
Police said they will not speculate on the incident and encourage others to "refrain from sharing distressing content online."
Hundreds of thousands had gathered at a parade celebrating the Liverpool Football Club winning the English Premier League soccer title when a vehicle collided "with a number of pedestrians on Water Street" just after 6 p.m. local time on Monday, police said.
"On arrival, the crews were met with numerous injured people and four persons trapped under a vehicle," Dave Kitchin with the Northwest Ambulance Service said at a press briefing on Monday.
Three adults and one child were pulled from under the vehicle, which stopped at the scene, he said. Twenty people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, Kitchin said.
"Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families," Kitchin said.
The United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "appalling" and his "thoughts are with all those injured or affected."
Liam Robinson from the Liverpool City Council said the incident "casts a very dark shadow over what had been a very joyous day."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident," Liverpool FC said in a statement on Monday. "We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident."
