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A man arrested for ploughing his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title victory is being held on suspicion of driving while affected by drugs.
As football fans from the United Kingdom and abroad rallied around the port city of Liverpool, a Ford Galaxy rammed into the crowds on Tuesday AEST.
Four children were among the 64 injured, and 11 people remain in hospital in stable condition, according to local police.
Water Street had been closed to traffic, but police allege the car’s driver was able to follow an ambulance tending to a man who had suffered a suspected heart attack through a roadblock that had been temporarily lifted.
A 53-year-old, white British man was arrested and is being held “on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs,” assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said. No charges have been laid yet.
“An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing,” Sims added.
‘Deeply shocked and saddened’
“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances,” Charles said in a statement.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also expressed his shock over the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You’ll never walk alone,” he said, echoing the club’s famous anthem, which had resounded joyfully across the city only hours before.
The car ploughed into dense crowds on Water Street just after an open-topped bus parade with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and star players, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, passed by.
The incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
— With additional reporting from Agence France-Presse
