A car plowed into a large crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s English Premier League title win on Monday. Notorious right-wing voices quickly called the incident a “suspected terrorist attack” on social media. However, Merseyside Police released details about the suspect within hours, describing him as a 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area.
The police’s swift response was welcomed by many, who praised their decision to share accurate information and not let speculation run rampant. The incident serves as a lesson learned after the 2024 Southport stabbing attack, where false information on social media led to violent riots.
In an interview with Sky News, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram praised Merseyside Police for handling the situation “fantastically.” A former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent described the force’s release of information as “unprecedented,” and noted that it appeared to be a lesson learned from the Southport attack.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. More than 50 people were treated for injuries, with all appearing to be in stable condition and recovering well. The police’s quick response and accurate information sharing helped prevent further speculation and ensured a swift resolution to the incident.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/united-kingdom/british-police-raced-release-details-car-plowed-liverpool-crowd-rcna209144