Tragedy at Liverpool Victory Parade: King Charles 'Deeply Shocked' as Car Rams Into Crowd

King Expresses Deep Shock Over Tragic Incident at Liverpool Parade

Buckingham Palace has released a statement conveying King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s deep shock and sadness following the tragic events that occurred during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Monday.

"It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances," the King said in the message, which was personally signed by him.

"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 statement added.

The monarch and Queen Camilla are currently in Ottawa, Canada, attending the opening session of the country’s Parliament. King Charles is scheduled to deliver the Throne Speech, a role last undertaken by a head of state—Queen Elizabeth II—in 1977.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos and Fear

More harrowing eyewitness testimonies have emerged, shedding light on the terrifying moments when a car drove into crowds gathered for Liverpool's title celebration.

David and Breda Wilkinson, visiting from Northern Ireland, narrowly avoided being hit. "If it hadn’t been beeping its horn, it would have hit us," David told the BBC.

Dumisni Moyo, returning to his Airbnb after the parade, was shocked to find people injured and lying on the ground. Similarly, Welsh Liverpool fan Hannah Davies recalled the chilling scene, saying she is still shaking from the experience.

One mother, Deborah, described her panic as she struggled to contact her son, who had attended the parade. She called it “the longest 40 minutes” of her life.

City Turns From Celebration to Crime Scene

Just 24 hours after jubilant scenes on Liverpool's Water Street, where fans from across the globe had gathered, the area now stands cordoned off, transformed into a crime scene.

Champagne bottles, beer cans, and team flags litter the area. A police van and forensic tent mark the spot where the vehicle's chaotic journey came to a tragic halt.

Despite ongoing investigations, the motive remains unclear. But the unwavering resilience of the Liverpool fanbase is evident. “Let’s not forget what brought us together yesterday—our football club,” said Jacob and Sam, visitors from Australia.

Ongoing Investigation and Rising Questions

Authorities continue to investigate how the vehicle was able to enter the crowded streets during the parade.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed that four individuals remain in critical condition, with 27 people hospitalized overall. Two of them, including a child, sustained serious injuries.

Merseyside Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, believed to be the driver. The force has confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Quick Disclosure to Combat Misinformation

In a break from standard procedure, Merseyside Police swiftly released the suspect’s age, nationality, and ethnicity—an unusual move meant to prevent misinformation from spreading online.

This rapid disclosure follows criticism of the force's handling of a previous attack in Southport, where delayed information led to rampant speculation. According to Mayor Rotheram, this was a deliberate move to “stamp out” false narratives quickly.

Eyewitness Recalls Horror Moments

Shen, a visitor from Shanghai, was just 10 meters from the car when it rammed into the crowd. “I saw many people screaming and crying. It was like paradise turned into hell,” she said, speaking near the police cordon on Water Street.