Merseyside Police have been granted additional time to question a 53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, following the shocking incident in Liverpool city centre during the Premier League victory parade on Monday. The suspect, from West Derby, remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation into the crash that left 79 people injured.
The suspect was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. The Ford Galaxy he was driving struck football fans gathered on Water Street shortly after 18:00 BST, after following an ambulance through a lifted roadblock intended to allow emergency access to a separate medical incident.
Police confirmed they had spoken to 14 more victims in the past day, raising the total known casualties from 65 to 79. Seven people remain hospitalised, including some with serious injuries. One survivor, Daniel Eveson from Telford, described the scene as “just chaos” after his partner was dragged under the vehicle and their baby’s pram was flung across the road. While his son escaped unharmed, his partner remains in hospital.
“It was meant to be the perfect day,” Mr Eveson said. “But under the sea of chaos, it changed to the worst day of my life.”
Emergency services responded in large numbers, and Water Street has since reopened after overnight cleanup operations. Flowers and messages have been laid at the scene as the city comes to terms with the tragic events that marred what was meant to be a joyful celebration.
Detectives are conducting a comprehensive review of CCTV footage across Liverpool to track the car’s movements prior to the crash. Det Supt Rachel Wilson, leading the investigation, said: “We continue to support those still receiving treatment and, as part of our ongoing enquiries, we are identifying more people who were injured.”
She added that significant progress is being made in understanding the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the suspect continues to be held as police explore every legal avenue to extend his detention. Under UK law, suspects can be held for 24 hours without charge, with a superintendent’s approval for an initial 12-hour extension. Authorities can apply to a magistrate to hold suspects for up to 96 hours in total—unless the offence is related to terrorism, which allows for longer detention. In this case, police have clarified that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Within hours of the suspect’s arrest, Merseyside Police confirmed he was a white British male and cautioned the public against spreading misinformation. One local man, Peter Cunningham, was wrongly identified on social media as the suspect. The 54-year-old from Huyton pleaded with authorities to release the real suspect’s name, saying: “I’m in work—the police need to give the name out because I’m getting accused.”
The incident has prompted national concern, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visiting Merseyside Police headquarters on Thursday. Speaking at a meeting with senior officers and local leaders, he said: “The scenes on Monday were just awful. To see incredible joy at an amazing achievement turn to horror in a moment—it’s deeply troubling.”
The Prime Minister commended the emergency services for their swift response and expressed his support for the ongoing investigation.
As Liverpool recovers from the trauma, many fans and residents are reflecting on the fragility of such public events. More than 500,000 people had packed the city streets to celebrate Liverpool FC’s second Premier League title and 20th top-flight crown overall.
What began as a day of celebration quickly turned into one of the darkest moments in the city’s recent memory. Police continue to urge anyone with footage or information to come forward as they seek justice for the victims and accountability for the chaos that unfolded.
