%20(1).png)
Liverpool, UK – Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old father-of-three and former Royal Marine,
has been charged in connection with the Liverpool parade crash that left 79 people
injured during the city's Premier League victory celebration. The incident, which
occurred on Monday, saw a car plough into jubilant fans on Water Street,
transforming a day of triumph into one of shock and concern.
Mr. Doyle, from Burghill Road in West Derby, was arrested shortly after the Ford
Galaxy he is alleged to have been driving crashed into supporters at
approximately 6:00 PM BST. Among those injured was a nine-year-old child,
highlighting the wide age range of victims, which spanned from nine to 78.
The local businessman faces a serious array of charges, including multiple counts
of causing, and attempting to cause, unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm
with intent, as well as one count of dangerous driving and two counts of unlawful
and malicious wounding with intent. These charges underscore the severity of the
alleged actions and the impact on the scores of individuals present.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims of Merseyside Police confirmed in a news
conference that seven people remain in hospital following the incident, receiving
ongoing medical care. The police investigation is described as extensive and
complex, with detectives meticulously reviewing a "huge volume" of CCTV and
mobile phone footage, alongside witness statements.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
in the Mersey-Cheshire region, stated that the charges would be "kept under
review" as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring
"every victim gets the justice they deserve."
The seven charges against Mr. Doyle can be categorized into four distinct groups.
The first comprises two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily
harm (GBH), one of which pertains to an alleged offence against a child. The
second group consists of two counts of causing unlawful and malicious GBH with
intent to cause grievous bodily harm. It's important to note, as per the Sentencing
Council, that GBH does not necessitate an open wound, whereas wounding
specifically requires the victim's skin to have been broken.
Furthermore, Mr. Doyle faces two charges of attempted unlawful and malicious GBH
with intent to cause GBH, with one of these alleged offences again relating to a
child. The final charge is dangerous driving.
News of the charges has sent ripples of "shock and disbelief" through Mr. Doyle's
quiet West Derby neighbourhood. Neighbours, speaking anonymously, described
Burghill Road as being "swarming with police" in the immediate aftermath of the
crash. One resident recounted the scene, saying, "I came out late on Monday night
and there's police everywhere. Looking around all the houses, so I had a thought -
imagine if it was him?"
Another neighbour shared their astonishment, stating, "Everyone was in shock and
can't believe it. It's such a quiet estate. Everyone keeps themselves to themselves
as he did, so no-one really knows much about him."
A local mechanic, Steve, who had serviced Mr. Doyle's family car as recently as
three months ago, expressed similar bewilderment. He recognized the vehicle from
news reports by its registration plate. "I thought 'Oh my god. I can't believe it –
surely not'," he said, describing Mr. Doyle as a "softly spoken family man" who
seemed "sensible." "I can't see how this has happened. It's crazy," he added.
A neighbour who had been among the hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans
celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win described the abrupt shift in
atmosphere. "Everyone was saddened by the end of the day while watching the
news – and to think that [the suspect] lives on my street is just really shocking,"
she remarked, highlighting the close-knit nature of their "lovely" and "peaceful"
community. She added, "I don't know him but all the neighbours down both sides
of the street – we've all been friends, we all have barbecues, we've been on
holidays together. It's a close knit community."
Merseyside Police had been granted extended time to question Mr. Doyle, who was
initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving
while unfit through drugs. The extension allowed detectives to continue their
intensive investigation until Thursday evening. Under UK law, police can hold a
suspect for 24 hours without charge, with a senior officer able to authorize an
additional 12-hour extension. Further extensions, up to a maximum of 96 hours (or
14 days in terrorism-related cases), require an application to a magistrates' court.
Authorities have consistently reiterated that the incident is not being treated as
terror-related.
The events of Monday afternoon unfolded as an estimated million supporters
packed Liverpool city centre, lining a 10-mile parade route to celebrate the Reds
' momentous achievement of securing their second Premier League crown and 20th
top-flight league title. The festive atmosphere, however, took a dark turn on Water
Street, a short distance from the main parade route.
During a press conference on Tuesday, police revealed that they believe the Ford
Galaxy had followed an ambulance through a temporary roadblock. This roadblock
had been lifted to allow medics to reach an individual suffering a suspected heart
attack. This opportunistic breach of the cordon ultimately led to the vehicle's
collision with the crowds.
Among the harrowing accounts that emerged from the scene was that of Daniel
Eveson, a 36-year-old father, whose five-month-old son, Teddy, was in a pram that
was struck by the car. Despite the pram being spun "metres down the street,"
miraculously, the baby boy was not hurt. Mr. Eveson, speaking of his partner,
Sheree Aldridge, recounted, "My partner went under the wheels of the car, of the
front of the car, and it rolled over her leg, and I just bounced off to the side, but my
boy and his pram got bounced totally in the opposite direction - about 15ft down
the road." He described it as a "miracle" that his family survived the horrific
incident, affectionately dubbing his son 'Super Ted'. Ms. Aldridge is said to be
recovering from muscle and tissue damage to her leg.
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) stated
that three fire engines were promptly dispatched to Water Street. Their crews
"rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our
ambulance colleagues," demonstrating the swift emergency response to the chaos.
The incident prompted an outpouring of support from across the city and beyond.
A fundraising campaign established for those affected has already surpassed
£30,000, with a significant £10,000 donation coming from former Liverpool player
Jamie Carragher's charity foundation. Rae Brooke from the Community Foundation
for Merseyside, which partnered with local authorities and voluntary services to
set up the fund, noted the remarkable generosity of people in the Liverpool area.
The funds raised will be distributed to individuals who sustained physical or
psychological injuries, as well as to community organizations providing support in
the aftermath.
Messages of solidarity have also come from high-profile figures, including King
Charles, who expressed that the "strength of community spirit for which your city
is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need." The Prince and
Princess of Wales also conveyed their profound sadness over the incident.
The investigation continues to be a top priority for Merseyside Police. Assistant
Chief Constable Sims reiterated her understanding of the many questions
surrounding the incident and assured the public that detectives are "working
tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answer to all of those
questions." Further information will be released as the judicial process unfolds,
with Mr. Doyle scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday. The
community, still grappling with the shock, awaits the next steps in what has
become a deeply distressing chapter in Liverpool's recent history. The incident
serves as a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to anguish, and the
resilience of a city that, despite the trauma, has once again demonstrated its
unwavering spirit and compassion.
