Liverpool parade crash suspect is company director and father of three

The man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool’s victory parade has been identified as a suburban businessman and father-of-three, leaving those who know him shocked.

The driver of a vehicle who ploughed through a crowd of Liverpool football fans celebrating at a giant street parade has been identified as a father-of-three and business owner.

Social media posts show the 53-year-old competing in triathlons, climbing Kilimanjaro and enjoying holidays to exotic locations.

Neighbours described the suspect as “such a normal Liverpool dad” and a “genuinely pleasant family man”.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told The Times: “He was very thoughtful, and would look out for older residents in the street. I really struggle to believe how he could be the [arrested man]. He’s the last person on this street I would have thought would be connected to something like that.

“I feel awfully sorry for the people who were hurt during the parade. But I feel very sorry for his family as well, who always struck me as nice, decent people.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell (R), Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green (2R) and the Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram (2L) at Merseyside Police Headquarters. Picture: Getty Images

On Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday AM AEST) Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police addressed the media and said the driver — who they believe may have been impacted by drugs — was able to tailgate an ambulance onto Water Street in Liverpool’s CBD as they attended to a patient having a suspected heart attack.

A car rams into the Liverpool Premier League victory parade. Picture: X

A roadblock was temporarily lifted into the restricted area to allow the ambulance into the densely packed area filled with football fans.

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

Police and forensics officers work at the scene on Water Street in Liverpool, northwest England. Picture: AFP

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said the 53-year-old white British male from West Derby district in the UK was arrested after his Ford Galaxy ploughed through the crowds of people celebrating their football heroes in the city’s centre just after 6pm on Monday (3am Tuesday AEST).

He has been arrested on suspicion in relation to attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.

He remains in police custody and investigations are continuing.

Water Street where the incident took place and sections of Liverpool’s CBD remained cordoned off and under heavy police guard.

The number of those injured rose to 79 including young children who were caught up in the mayhem. The force said seven people remained in hospital in a stable condition.

King Charles and Queen Camilla said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by parade horror as scrutiny remains on how the driver was able to ram his vehicle through the packed crowd.

The King said in a statement: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.

“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need”.

The Prince and Princes of Wales also passed on their condolences and said, “what should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the “whole country stands with Liverpool” after celebrating the Liverpool Football Club’s English Premier League victory parade on Monday.

Liverpool fan Sunil Patel, 57, from Leicester said he was still coming to terms with the tragedy that struck at the Liverpool Football Club's street parade celebrations. Picture: Sophie Elsworth

Liverpool fan Sunil Patel, 57, from Leicester, attended the parade and said he was still in shock by what unfolded.

“It should have been a celebration but it turned into a non-celebration, it was very sad,” he told this masthead.

“It left a bad mark”.

Joanne Barnard, 45, her husband Adam, 43, and three sons Zac, 11, Connor, 8, and Max 13, visited the Water Street site on Tuesday where the tragedy unfolded.

Liverpool fans Joanne Barnard, 45, husband Adam, 43, and their three sons Zac, 11, Connor, 8, and Max 13, are in shock after tragedy struck at the Liverpool Football Club's street parade. Picture: Sophie Elsworth

“We were first aware when something happened when there were about 10 police vans coming down the street one after another,” she said.

“I went from celebration to ‘oh my god what has just happened’ and thinking about people being hurt, it’s upsetting, it’s just horrible.

“Everyone just wants to know how and why it happened”.

Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing.

Originally published as Liverpool parade crash suspect is company director and father of three