British police stated they believe the incident in which a car crashed into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans on Monday was isolated and not linked to terrorism.
"What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it," Jennifer Sims, assistant chief constable of Merseyside Police, said at a press conference.
Police on Monday responded to reports of the car striking a "number of pedestrians" during Liverpool's Premier League title celebrations in the city center.
An unverified video on social media claiming to show the incident depicted a large gray car driving into large crowds of fans lining the street, at one point appearing to swerve away from the most densely crowded area.
A car has plowed into a crowd of Liverpool fans celebrating today on Dale Street in Liverpool. One man has been arrested.Some extremely twisted minded people amongst us. pic.twitter.com/brvIjXJGe7
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) May 26, 2025
Large numbers of police surrounded the vehicle shortly afterwards, with other videos showing that angry fans also tried to reach the driver. Some people were pictured lying on the road.
"Emergency services are currently on the scene," they said.
A Reuters photographer said multiple ambulances were in the street, with a tent erected by nearby fire engines.
Police said in a statement that the car had stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white male from Liverpool had been detained.
Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances leading to the incident, the police said. The number of injuries is currently unknown.
Liverpool Football Club said that it was in direct contact with the police regarding the attack and would continue to offer its full support to those handling the incident in a post on Twitter/X.
We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.We will continue to offer… pic.twitter.com/xreiSqiEnL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025
Starmer responds, praises emergency services, police
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the reports, offering his thoughts to all the victims and thanking emergency services for their quick action. He said he is being updated on the developments.
The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 26, 2025
Liverpool FC secured Premier League title
Liverpool sealed the Premier League title last month with four games to spare and ended the season with a 10-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.
They lifted the trophy after their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday.
During the celebrations earlier on Monday, the players and staff waved to the crowd from an open-top bus with the words 'Ours. Again.' emblazoned on the side, as red flares were lit along the route, running from Allerton Maze to Blundell Street.