Liverpool parade incident: Merseyside Police Statement

DOZENS INJURED AS CAR PLOUGHS INTO CELEBRATING CROWD

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and partners from last night’s press conference following the incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre:

ACC Sims: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.

“I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.

“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.

“Sadly, at just after 6 o’clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.

“In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.

“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.

“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.  We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.

“Extensive enquiries 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 that 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 currently 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. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2

“In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.

“We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.”

Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service, said: “All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured. 

“As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type.

“Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.

“St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance.  

“Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families.

“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries – these did not need hospital treatment.

“27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious. 

“Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained. 

“We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.

“We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.

“All of us at North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this. We hope those who have been injured make a speedy recovery, and would like to extend our thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, both of whom assisted us in tending to the injured, as did many of the supporters in the crowd. As well as our NHS colleagues who continue to treat the casualties.

“To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you.”

 Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.

“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 1807, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.

“On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle.

“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”

Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor 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 and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

“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 urge people not to speculate as to the motives behind this appalling incident and to allow Merseyside Police to conduct 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.”

Liverpool Football Club said last night: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”

Eurovision 2023 scores douze points for the BBC as it becomes the most watched Grand Final ever

The Eurovision Grand Final saw a 5 min peak of 11 million, average of 9.9 million and share of 63%

BBC Director of Unscripted Kate Phillips says: “What an incredible Contest! It was unforgettable, unmissable event television on a scale never seen before delivered by the BBC to viewers across the UK and millions more watching around the world.

“Sweden took home the trophy in spectacular style and 2022 winners Ukraine were at the heart of the show.

“Liverpool welcomed the world’s biggest singing competition with open arms and embraced it beyond all of our expectations.

The fact that so many millions of people tuned in reflects just how significant Eurovision has become and truly underlines the theme behind this year’s contest, United by Music. We really hope we did Ukraine proud.”

Displaced Ukrainians in line for tickets for Eurovision Song Contest

Thousands of tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians to attend the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in May

  • Around 3,000 tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians living in the UK
  • Government also announces £10 million of support to help host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and showcase its culture and creativity
  • Announcements mark a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Thousands of tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians to attend the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in May.

The Government has agreed that around 3,000 tickets will be made available for those Ukrainians who have been forced from their homes and are living in the UK – meaning they can attend one of the live shows and help mark the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra’s victory at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

While Ukraine won the competition in 2022 it is unable to host because of Russia’s illegal invasion. The UK, who finished second in last year’s Eurovision Song Contest with the track ‘Space Man’ from Sam Ryder, agreed to host and create an event which honoured Ukraine’s culture and people.

This ticket allocation will see thousands of Ukrainians attending the live shows and is another example of the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

The news comes as the Government announces £10 million in funding to help ensure the event truly showcases Ukrainian culture. The money will support Liverpool City Council and the BBC’s partnerships with Ukrainian artists and performers to ensure a collaborative show celebrating music and how it unites people from around the world.

It will also support security, visa arrangements and other operational aspects of the contest, as well as Liverpool City Council’s schools, community and volunteering programmes.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “ Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means the contest cannot be held where it should be. But we are honoured to be supporting the BBC and Liverpool in hosting it on their behalf, and are determined to make sure the Ukrainian people are at the heart of this event.

“ Today’s announcement means that thousands of tickets will be offered to those displaced by war, so that they can take part in a show honouring their homeland, their culture and their music. As always, we stand together with the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom.”

Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said: “The allocation of almost 3,000 tickets to displaced Ukrainians for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool will allow our compatriots here to enjoy the event and celebrate our country’s rich culture and music.

“ The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion has been exemplary and this gesture is another example of that commitment. The £10 million in funding to showcase Ukrainian culture is also greatly appreciated and will help to put on a collaborative show bringing people from around the world closer to each other.

“ We are grateful to the UK Government, Liverpool City Council, and the BBC for their efforts to honour Ukraine’s culture and people through this event.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: “ Ukraine is at the heart of all our Eurovision host city plans.

“ Working with our Ukrainian community we are shaping a thought-provoking and powerful programme that is all-encompassing and representative of modern Ukraine – inspiring, poignant, funny, beautiful and moving.

“ We’re delighted with the news that displaced Ukrainians are being given the opportunity to come to the city in May – this is their Eurovision after all. Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and we can’t wait to give them a warm Liverpool welcome and, fingers crossed, do them, the rest of the Ukraine and the UK proud.”

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia a year ago, millions of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes, with many finding refuge in the UK.

Those who are based in the UK via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme will be able to apply for tickets. Tickets will be offered for all nine live shows, including the semi-finals, the preview shows and the live final on Saturday 13 May.

The announcement comes after President Zelenskyy visited the UK during which the Prime Minister underlined the country’s commitment to support Ukraine and help secure lasting peace.

Community support funding announced for people of Liverpool

The Home Secretary has announced a £150,000 package to support the communities of Liverpool and Knowsley in the wake of the tragic shootings in the city. This will provide specialist trauma informed support in nearby schools, as well as mental health provisions for those closely affected.

Following the horrific killings of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Merseyside within a week of each other, the Home Secretary also announced £350,000 to expand the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ pilot to other areas in Merseyside affected by Serious and Organised Crime.

The pilot sees both a proactive policing response and multi-agency working to support communities worst affected by Organised Crime Groups to make them more resilient and less susceptible to their activities.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The whole country has been appalled at the spate of violence in Liverpool over the past couple of weeks, which has tragically left 9 people dead, including 9 year old Olivia.

The impact on the wider community is immense, which is why we are providing funding for specialist trauma and mental health support for those who need it, as well as expanding the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ pilot to disrupt Merseyside’s corrosive and deadly Organised Crime Groups.

We will stop at nothing to drive down serious violence and ensure that fewer families have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in this way.

Established in the Birkenhead area of Merseyside in January 2022, the pilot has focused on making sustainable reductions in firearms and knife crime offences, whilst improving community confidence and delivering preventative programmes to over 2,000 young people in the area.

Priti Patel made the announcement on a visit to Liverpool on Friday where she met with Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable, to receive an update on the investigation, and then with the local policing commander to understand the impact the violence has had on the community and what resilience plans are being put in place.

27 years on, justice at last

‘First we were ignored, then we were bullied. However we never went away.’

memorial

The Hillsborough Justice Campaign welcomes the jury’s verdict of unlawful killing. The right conclusion has finally been reached. The jury has listened and decided that the weight of evidence against South Yorkshire Police and in particular David Duckenfield , given the admissions he made in evidence, leads to this verdict. Continue reading 27 years on, justice at last