Fresh details about the horror Liverpool parade crash have been revealed by neighbours, including how the suspect’s wife found out what had happened. Police arrested a 53-year-old “white British” man from West Derby, Liverpool, who remains in custody, after a Ford Galaxy drove into supporters who had gathered in the city to celebrate their local football club’s Premier League success on Monday. 79 people were injured in the incident, and the 53-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving.
While he has not been named, neighbours who are aware of his identity have voiced their shock at what happened, describing him as a “fantastic guy” from a “nice family”. One neighbour also said the suspect’s wife had only learned about the unfolding incident when she “saw [her car] being driven at the parade” on TV.
“It seems completely out of character,” another told The Sun. “They are such a nice family, the [children] are really nice and well-behaved.
“It just doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t feel right. They are lovely. The whole thing is so sad – for his wife and children and also for the people who were injured.”
A third neighbour said they had joked about living close to the suspect after spotting “three or four” police cars on their road before horrifyingly realising that they had been right.
Merseyside Police are continuing to question the suspect and confirmed on Wednesday that the number of people being treated in hospital following the incident was decreasing.
“We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing requiries we are identifying more people who were injured,” Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said.
“I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened.
“In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.
“An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.”
Officers have asked anyone with information about what happened to contact Merseyside Police on social media or by calling 101. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.