Suspect followed ambulance before Liverpool parade car crash

A car that ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s victory parade was able to tailgate an ambulance through a roadblock, police have confirmed.

Water Street in Liverpool centre was closed at the time of the incident but police confirmed the roadblock was temporarily lifted so paramedics could get through to somebody who had reportedly had a heart attack.

A 53-year-old man, from the West Derby area of the city, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

A total of 50 people were treated in hospital following the incident, which happened shortly after 18:00 BST on Monday.

Of the injured, police said 11 remained in hospital with all said to be in a “stable” condition.

Overall, Det Ch Supt Karen Jaundrill said there were 65 confirmed casualties.

Her Merseyside Police colleague, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance on to Water Street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.

“As with many large events, with event organisers we planned for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day.

“There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, and as we previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.”

Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, telling reporters that the force planned for “all contingencies”.

Earlier, Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram suggested the car should not have been on the street and that questions about how it was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.

Water Street remains closed while investigations continue into the incident.

Merseyside Police has confirmed that detectives have been given an extension until Wednesday lunchtime to question the suspect.