Parade ram suspect a 'nice family man'

THE driver suspected of crashing into fans at the Liverpool trophy parade is a former company director described by his neighbours as a “nice family” man.

- By Chris Riches in Liverpool

The 53-year-old, who is being questioned by detectives on suspicion of multiple attempted murders, driving under the influence of drugs and dangerous driving, is married with three young sons, it was said.

Stunned neighbours on the well-kept estate where he lives in a £300,000 four-bed detached home said: “It just doesn’t make sense.”

One neighbour said: “It’s completely out of character. They are such a nice family, the boys are well behaved. He is a fantastic guy. He came over to help us when our alarm went off. I know he did the same for our immediate neighbours too.

“It just doesn’t make any sense. It doesn’t feel right. The whole thing is so sad — for his wife and children and for all those people who were hurt and injured.”

Social media indicates he may have attended a local university, and his wife of 20 years has posted happy photos of family parties and holidays abroad.

The suspect’s identity emerged as police officers and vans were stationed outside his family home. The Daily Express has chosen not to name him.

Detectives have been granted until today to quiz the suspected drug-driver.

Officers have now identified 79 fans who were injured when the Ford Galaxy shot through a roadblock in Liverpool city centre on Monday.

It comes as the Prime Minister visited Merseyside Police headquarters yesterday following the shocking incident.