Liverpool Parade Horror: Car Plows Into Fans in Suspected Terror Attack

A joyous celebration of Liverpool FC’s Premier League title win turned chaotic when a car plowed into a crowd of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city center, shortly after 6:00 p.m. Today, injuring at least 17 people, as reported by The Independent and The Guardian. The incident occurred during a massive open-top bus parade attended by an estimated one million fans along a 10-mile route, marking the club’s 20th top-flight title. Merseyside Police detained a male driver at the scene, where the vehicle, a grey people carrier, possibly a black Ford Galaxy, stopped after the collision. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded swiftly, with local restaurants like Mowgli and Riva Blu repurposed as makeshift medical centres.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes. Natasha Rinaldi, watching from a friend’s window, heard “desperate screams” as the car struck fans, prompting some to attempt to break the vehicle’s windows. Harry Rashid, a 48-year-old from Solihull attending with his family, witnessed the car “ramming” into the crowd at high speed, hearing “pop, pop, pop” as people were hit. He described the act as “clearly deliberate,” fuelling speculation of a terror attack, though police have not confirmed this, labelling it a “road traffic collision” pending investigation. Türkiye Today cited British media, including The Mirror, reporting eyewitness claims of intentionality, but no official terror designation has been made.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling,” thanking emergency services and urging the public to allow police space to investigate. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson also expressed concern, with Johnson hoping for the safety of those affected. The North West Ambulance Service prioritized medical aid, with images showing stretchers and cordons. Social media footage captured fans surrounding the car, some attacking it, as police intervened.

The incident overshadowed a historic day for Liverpool, with players like Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot celebrated earlier. Merseyside Police continue to investigate, with no confirmed casualty figures or motive yet disclosed.