Liverpool parade incident footage described as 'appalling' as MPs speak out
The country and region's senior leaders have spoken out about the incident where a car ploughed into a crowd gathered to celebrate the Liverpool FC victory parade
The Prime Minister, senior government ministers, party chiefs and Liverpool leaders are issuing statements tonight after a car was driven into a Liverpool city centre crowd.
The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner told of how the 'footage from tonight’s parade is shocking and appalling'.
The comments come after a horror crash as a car ploughed into pedestrians gathered to watch the Liverpool FC Premier League victory parade just after 6pm.
Updates: The latest live updates on the incident in Liverpool
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes, saying: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
“I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the scenes in Liverpool as “truly shocking”.
She said: “Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response to the truly shocking and horrendous scenes in Liverpool this evening.
“Thinking of all those affected at this very difficult time. The police are investigating and I’m being kept updated on developments.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said footage of the incident was “appalling” and urged people not to speculate.
She said: “The footage from tonight’s parade is shocking and appalling. My thoughts are with all those affected.
“A 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area has now been arrested.
"My thanks go to Merseyside Police and our emergency service partners who have responded so swiftly.
“Updates will be provided as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’d urge people to please not speculate any further.”
Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose seat includes the city centre, said: “I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon.”
MPs from across the major parties and regions have sent messages to those affected.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The pictures emerging from Liverpool are deeply worrying.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and the emergency services as they respond to what appears a horrific incident.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was 'shocked' by the scenes.
“I want to thank the emergency services who have responded so quickly,” he said.
“My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or affected.”
Justin Madders, the Labour MP for nearby Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, said: “This is appalling – a victory parade turned into such awful scenes – I hope everyone who needs it gets swift treatment and the police and emergency services are able to get on with their jobs.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said in a statement: “Our hearts go out to all of those affected, especially those who have been injured. Thank you, as ever, to the first responders for their professionalism and swift action.
“This is a difficult day for our city region, but we stand together.”
A 53-year-old man has been arrested. Merseyside Police said the suspect was white, British and from the Liverpool area.