Liverpool supporters were injured on Monday after a car ploughed into them on Water Street in the city centre while they were watching the players parade the Premier League trophy
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a message of support to those affected by the terrifying incident that overshadowed the club’s parade on Monday. The Reds were celebrating their Premier League triumph when a car ploughed into fans, injuring 27 people.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that a 53-year-old man had been arrested and that the incident, on Water Street in the city centre, was not being treated as terrorism.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday morning, Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said there were “still four people who are very, very ill in hospital” and added: “We are hoping of course that they pull through.”
Liverpool issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the “appalling incident” and have cancelled planned further celebrations for staff on Tuesday. And now club captain Van Dijk has shared his own thoughts.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected,” he wrote on Instagram underneath a picture of the Liver Building surrounded by red smoke. “Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. We are all with you.”
READ MORE: Liverpool FC postpone further celebration events following horror incident at paradeREAD MORE: Liverpool FC issue new statement after ‘unimaginable scenes of distress’ and ‘appalling incident’
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in the city over the weekend and also released a statement on social media. He wrote: “My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You’ll never walk alone.”
Liverpool released a statement from chief executive Billy Hogan on Tuesday morning. He said: “On behalf of all of us here at Liverpool Football Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all those who’ve been affected by this appalling incident on Water Street yesterday evening.
“This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fan base, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident.
“I’d like to pay tribute to our emergency services and partner agencies – Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue – who dealt with the incident, and now our hospital staff across the city who are dealing with those who are injured, including tragically four children.
“I would also like to thank our supporters who witnessed this event and helped each other where they could. We continue to work with the emergency services and the local authorities to support their ongoing investigation and once again we would ask if anyone has any further information about the incident, please contact Merseyside Police.”
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said: “Shocked, horrified and deeply saddened about what happened at the end of the parade today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone and their families who have been impacted by today’s tragic event. Our anthem has never felt more appropriate, You’ll Never Walk Alone. Your Liverpool family are behind you.”
Everton also released a statement which read: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the horrific incident on Water Street yesterday during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory celebrations.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected at this incredibly difficult time and we extend our best wishes for a full recovery to those who were injured.
“We urge anybody who may have information relating to the incident to contact the Merseyside Police investigation team. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP). Details can be found on the Merseyside Police website. As a city we stand together.”
