A British man has been charged with seven offenses after a driver rammed into a crowd celebrating Liverpool F.C.’s Premier League title, injuring nearly 80 people.
By Lizzie Dearden, Chloe W. Shakin, and Amelia Nierenberg
A 53-year-old British man appeared in court on Friday, accused of driving his car into a crowd of soccer fans in Liverpool, England.
The incident, which occurred on May 26, left nearly 80 people injured, including four children. Authorities swiftly identified the driver as a white British man in an effort to curb the spread of misinformation.
The suspect, Paul Doyle, faces seven charges, including dangerous driving and multiple counts of wounding. During his appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, Doyle appeared emotional as he confirmed his name, date of birth, and address.
The crash shattered what was meant to be a day of celebration. Hundreds of thousands had gathered in the city to mark Liverpool F.C.’s Premier League title victory — a moment of pride that quickly turned to chaos.
What We Know About the Car-Ramming at the Liverpool Parade in England https://t.co/xCJyiYrlhl
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“Scenes of joy turned into unimaginable horror and devastation,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters in response to the incident. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with Liverpool,” he added.
What happened?
Police said they received reports around 6 p.m. local time on Monday that a car had struck crowds gathered for Liverpool F.C.’s victory parade.
The incident occurred on Water Street in the city center, near the conclusion of the 10-mile parade route.
At a Tuesday news conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the parade route and nearby roads had been closed off as part of a “robust traffic management plan” for the event.
Water Street was one of the roads closed to traffic, but according to Ms. Sims, the driver of the vehicle—a dark gray Ford Galaxy minivan—likely entered the area by following an ambulance that had been granted access.
She added that, despite similarities to recent vehicle attacks across Europe, the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
Who is the Suspect and What Charges Does He Face?
Mr. Doyle, a former Royal Marine and father of three from West Derby, near Liverpool, has been identified as the suspect, according to the BBC.
He faces multiple serious charges, including dangerous driving, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent—a charge applied when significant injuries are deliberately inflicted—two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The charges against Mr. Doyle relate to injuries sustained by six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. A judge has imposed legal restrictions preventing the media from identifying any of the victims.
During a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday, prosecutor Philip Astbury stated that Mr. Doyle “drove deliberately at people” who were leaving an area where fans had gathered to watch Liverpool F.C.’s title parade.
Later that day, at a separate hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, a judge scheduled a provisional trial date for November 24. Mr. Doyle is expected to enter a plea at a hearing set for August 14.
Sarah Hammond, the region’s chief prosecutor, said the charges remain under review as the police investigation continues, meaning additional charges could be brought or current ones revised. She noted that the investigation is still in its early stages, with authorities examining a substantial amount of evidence, including video footage and witness accounts.
Police released details about the suspect less than two hours after the crash, as social media quickly filled with speculation about the incident and possible motives.
The decision to promptly disclose the driver’s race and nationality appeared to be a strategic move aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation.
A similar situation unfolded last summer when a British-born man of Rwandan descent fatally stabbed three young girls at a dance studio in Southport, a town north of Liverpool. Despite his citizenship, false claims that the attacker was an undocumented Muslim migrant spread rapidly online. The following day, a riot broke out in Southport—sparking a wave of unrest in cities and towns across England.
Who was injured?
According to a police statement, 79 people were injured in the crash, with at least 50 requiring hospital treatment.
The local ambulance service reported that four children were among the victims, the youngest just 9 years old. One of the children sustained serious injuries, though officials noted that the number of people still hospitalized has been declining.
“I’m pleased to report that the number of people in hospital is decreasing as they continue to recover from this terrible incident,” said Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson.
What have officials said?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the city, saying, “Liverpool stands together — and the whole country stands with Liverpool,” while also thanking emergency medical personnel for their response.
Billy Hogan, chief executive of Liverpool F.C., shared a message with supporters, extending the club’s support to everyone affected by the tragedy.
“This weekend was meant to be one of celebration, filled with emotion and joy throughout the city and across our fan base, but it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress,” he said.
King Charles also issued a statement, saying he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the events in Liverpool.
“It is truly devastating that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many ended in such distressing circumstances,” he wrote. “At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I am confident that the city’s strong sense of community will provide comfort and support to those in need.
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