LIVERPOOL PARADE HELD IN ATTEMPTED MURDER PROBE

A DRIVER who allegedly ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool's victory parade has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving.

- By JOSH PAYNE, ELEANOR BARLOW AND MARGARET DAVIS

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the force believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted.

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday.

More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there yesterday in a stable condition.

Ms Sims said: "It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a heart attack."

She added: "There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place."

Ms Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, telling reporters that the force planned for 'all contingencies' - including road closures and an armed police presence.

It followed the city's metro mayor Steve Rotheram's comments that the vehicle should not have been on the street and that questions about how the car was able to enter the road were 'legitimate'.

Providing an update on the investigation, Ms Jaundrill said the suspect, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, remains in custody and is being interviewed by officers.

The senior officer said the force received help from neighbouring forces 'due to the number of victims.

Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, including from the King who said: "I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need."