Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has issued a statement following the tragic incident which unfolded in Liverpool after a car ploughed into crowds of football fans
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has sent a message to the city of Liverpool. On Monday, as Liverpool FC fans were celebrating their Premier League victory, a car ploughed into the crowd during the parade celebration.
A dark grey people-carrier was seen driving through the crowd, ploughing into dozens of fans while relentlessly beeping its horn. It comes after Merseyside Police confirmed a man, 53, from West Derby, had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs following the incident on Monday.
The force also said it believes the car that ploughed into fans at Liverpool’s Premier League trophy parade followed an ambulance into a packed central city street. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday
More than 50 people, including children, were treated in various hospitals, and 11 people remained in the hospital on Tuesday, but in a stable condition.
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In a statement shared on her social media, she posted a picture of the iconic Liver Buildings, surrounded by red celebratory smoke from flares alongside the caption: “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the distressing events at yesterday’s Premier League title parade in Liverpool.
“To the innocent bystanders who helped at the scene and to the emergency services who responded so quickly, a huge thank you.” Sarah’s statement comes after her former husband’s brother, King Charles and Queen Camilla also issued a statement via Buckingham Palace.
The King said: “My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday. It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers with those affected by the tragedy. William and Catherine said: “We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground. W & C.” Meanwhile, medical staff who have been working to help those injured told Princess Anne it was “very, very fortunate” that there were not more major injuries.
Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky told the King’s sister there were not “major traumas.” he added: “We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say.”
Merseyside Police have encouraged people who have information or video footage of the crash to come forward. Any information or footage can be shared via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP). Speaking at a press conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: “I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice. We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment.
“Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected, and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come.” She added that the force had received support from neighbouring forces due to “the number of victims.”
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