LONDON (AP) – On Thursday, a driver identified as Paul Doyle, 53, was charged with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm among other serious offenses after injuring nearly 80 people in a horrific incident in Liverpool. The incident occurred during a celebration for Liverpool's Premier League championship when Doyle's car rammed into a crowd of enthusiastic soccer fans.
The prosecuting attorney, Sarah Hammond, stated that Doyle faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving and variations of causing or attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The charges specifically involve six victims, among whom are two children, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.
The ages of the injured range from 9 to 78 years old, with at least 50 individuals requiring hospital treatment. As of Thursday, seven victims remain hospitalized but are said to be in stable condition. Hammond noted that the investigation is still in its early stages as authorities sift through a significant amount of evidence, including videos recorded during the incident and eyewitness statements.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims expressed the city's collective shock, emphasizing the emotional impact this tragic event had on the Liverpool community and the nation. “We know that Monday’s shocking scenes reverberated around the city of Liverpool and the entire country,” she elaborated. It was intended to be a joyous day for hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC supporters, but instead turned into chaos.
The fateful event took place while fans were celebrating Liverpool's record-tying 20th title. Reports indicate that Doyle may have avoided a roadblock set by authorities by following an ambulance that was responding to an unrelated emergency. Eyewitness videos that circulated on social media depict harrowing scenes, including a person wrapped in a Liverpool flag being struck and thrown into the air, subsequently resulting in a chaotic scene as the car careened into a densely packed group of people.
In the aftermath, emergency responders managed to rescue at least four individuals, including a child, who had become trapped beneath the vehicle. Despite the troubling nature of the attack, Merseyside Police have conveyed that they believe Doyle acted alone and do not suspect any links to terrorism, although they have not disclosed any specific motive behind his actions.
Doyle remains in custody and is scheduled for his first court appearance on Friday at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. The police and detectives are diligently working to uncover the full details surrounding this tragic incident, as the community seeks answers and justice for the victims.
