Driver Who Struck Liverpool Soccer Fans Acts Alone: Authorities Confirm No Terrorism Involved

LONDON (AP) — A joyful parade in Liverpool turned tragic when a 53-year-old man drove a minivan into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating the city’s Premier League win, injuring over 45 people.

The police reported that the driver was acting alone, and they do not consider this incident an act of terrorism. Emergency services transported 27 individuals to the hospital, including two with serious injuries. Firefighters had to lift the minivan to rescue four people trapped beneath it.

Witnesses described the chaos as the parade wrapped up. Harry Rashid recalled how quickly the situation escalated, saying, “We heard loud banging sounds as people were struck.” He noted that the driver’s actions seemed intentional. Rashid, with his family nearby, watched as the vehicle hurtled through the crowd, leading to panic.

“We just wanted to enjoy the parade,” he lamented. Liverpool fans had gathered in droves, celebrating the team’s record-tying 20th title. Peter Jones, visiting from the Isle of Man, reported hearing the crash and seeing multiple people down on the street.

Local authorities are currently investigating the crash, urging the public to avoid sharing distressing content online. This incident comes on the heels of a recent tragedy in nearby Southport, where a teenage stabbing left three girls dead. Following that event, false information about the suspect fueled violence against asylum seekers across England and Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the scenes as appalling and praised the responders who rushed to help. “Every child should be able to celebrate without fear,” he remarked.

Liverpool has a history of resilience. The club’s legacy is marred by the Hillsborough disaster 36 years ago, where 97 fans lost their lives due to overcrowding. Moreover, fans couldn’t celebrate the club’s league win during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020.

This time, despite rainy weather, fans gathered to cheer for Liverpool’s players atop open buses, surrounded by a heavy police presence. The stadium, with its rich history, remains a gathering point for Liverpool supporters who unite through both triumphs and tragedies.

In a brief statement, Liverpool Football Club expressed its thoughts with those affected by the incident. The Premier League echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing shock at the day’s “appalling events.”

For more on ongoing investigations or safety protocols at public events, check the latest updates from the UK Home Office.



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Keir Starmer, General news, Terrorism, Vehicle ramming attacks, Sports – Europe, Soccer, England, Dave Kitchin, Sports, Liam Robinson, Asylum, Harry Rashid, Peter Jones, World news, World News