Jack Trotter was one of the fans injured after the Liverpool FC Premier League title victory parade
A Liverpool FC fan in hospital after being hit by a car at today’s Premier League title parade has said he’s in “absolute agony.” Jack Trotter was one of thousands of fans who travelled into Merseyside to watch the open top bus parade on Monday.
He hails from Newtownards, County Down in Northern Ireland and arrived in the city with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher. Mr Trotter was one of the fans hit by a car after the parade ended.
He spoke to BBC News Northern Ireland from hospital as he said he’s in “absolute agony”. Merseyside Police were contacted just after 6pm today after receiving reports that a car had hit a number of people on Water Street in the city centre.
A large emergency service response was at the scene with police vehicles, fire engines and ambulances stationed around the Water Street area.
Merseyside Police earlier confirmed a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested in connection with the incident.
In a press conference tonight, it was revealed 27 people were taken to hospital and two, including one child, had sustained serious injuries
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims revealed police believe man arrested was the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. The force also said the incident is not being treated as terrorism and police believe it is an isolated incident.
ACC Sims said: “Extensive enquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.
“The incident is not being treated as terrorism. We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team.”
Merseyside Police issued an update earlier on details of the man arrested to avoid speculation surrounding the incident. They said: “We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
“We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.
“We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784.”
At the press conference, Liverpool council leader Liam Robinson said: “I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.
“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.
“I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to help those who were hurt and to our NHS staff treating them in hospital.
“We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.
“I would appeal for people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media – please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to help them with their investigation.
“We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to. Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.
“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”
