HERO MEDICS OF LIVERPOOL PARADE HORROR

A BRAVE paramedic knocked into the gutter by the car that drove into football fans at the Liverpool victory parade has told how he got back on his feet to help the injured.

- BY PHIL CARDY

Jay Vernon, 34, jumped out of the way when Paul Doyle reversed into him at speed while deliberately ploughing into crowds at the May 26 event.

He suffered grazes but managed to raise the alarm for what he at first thought to be a terrorist attack.

Several people were injured, including babies, children and the elderly. Doyle, 54, is due back in court today to be sentenced.

He pleaded guilty to 31 offences including 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and nine of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jay was on duty as a cycle response paramedic for North West Ambulance Service when he was called to a reported cardiac arrest on Water Street, just after the parade had ended.

He was making his way on foot in front of an ambulance when he was hit from behind by Doyle's car.

As he lay in the gutter he saw Doyle's reverse lights come on and he dived out of the way to avoid being hit again.

He said: "I was struck with almighty force from behind, which sent me flying over to the right-hand side and I landed in the gutter.

"I put my hands out to brace myself. As I was in the gutter, I noticed a number of people around me and on the floor.

"I looked left and saw a car. Its reverse lights came on and it started heading back up towards Water Street. It was at that point in my mind I immediately thought 'I'm in the middle of a terrorist incident'."