Man charged with grievous bodily harm after Liverpool parade incident

Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, faces multiple serious charges, including dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, and attempting to cause GBH with intent. He is scheduled to appear before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The incident occurred on Water Street on Monday evening, shortly after Liverpool's record-equalling 20th top-flight title celebrations had concluded. According to Merseyside Police, at least 79 people were injured, with two individuals, including a child, suffering serious injuries. Seven victims remain hospitalised in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that the youngest injured person is just nine years old, and the oldest is 78.

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, emphasized the scale and complexity of the investigation.

"The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve."

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims added that the incident had left the city shaken.

"I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions. Our detectives are working tirelessly⦠to seek the answer to all of those questions."

According to police, initial inquiries suggest the suspect evaded a roadblock by tailing an ambulance responding to a separate emergency involving a person in cardiac arrest. Moments later, the vehicle reportedly plowed into fans gathered along a closed-off stretch of the parade route.

Disturbing eyewitness video circulated online showed a person wrapped in a Liverpool flag being struck and thrown into the air, as the car continued into a densely packed crowd. Police have urged the public not to speculate or share graphic content related to the incident.

Authorities have confirmed they believe the driver acted alone, and at this stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson reinforced that the case remains under active investigation:

"An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not to speculate⦠and refrain from sharing distressing content online."

The horrific event has cast a shadow over what had been a moment of celebration for Liverpool fans, as the club marked a historic triumph in front of tens of thousands across the city.

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