A man has been detained after a vehicle struck dozens of people on Water Street celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title on Monday, authorities said.
Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said in a press conference on Monday night a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested in relation with the incident, which is "not being treated as terrorism".
At least 27 people were taken to the hospital, David Kitchen of the North West Ambulance Service explained, after stating that everyone was "horrified and saddened" by the incident.
Another 20 people were treated on site for light injuries, with an unknown of others reporting to the city's hospitals, he added. Four children were among the injured.
Four people — three adults and a child — had to be rescued from under the vehicle, according to Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Nick Searle.
The authorities again asked people not to speculate further on the circumstances and refrain from sharing the footage of the incident on social media.
Earlier on Monday, emergency services had put up tents and a nearby restaurant was used as an emergency medical centre, domestic media reported.
In a post on social media platform X, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected."
Starmer also thanked the emergency services for their "swift and ongoing response."
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the scenes from Liverpool were "truly shocking and horrendous".
"Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I'm being kept updated on developments," she added.
Liverpool FC, England's most successful football club, held an open-top bus parade through the city to celebrate its 20th Premier League triumph, with hundreds of thousands of fans lining the streets of the 10-mile route to see the team.
The club did not get a bus parade after winning the title in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to Monday, Liverpool FC's last public celebration of a top-flight victory was in 1990, in pre-Premier League times.
“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," the club said in a statement on Monday evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident."
“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident," Liverpool FC concluded.
Everton FC, the other English top-tier team from the city, offered their condolences, saying, "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city."
