A 53-year-old father of three, Paul Doyle, has been charged after a car ploughed into crowds during the Liverpool football parade, resulting in injuries to 79 people. He has been identified as an ex-Royal Marine.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as football fans were celebrating the team`s Premier League win when a vehicle drove into the gathered crowds.
Paul Doyle, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, was apprehended after courageous supporters attempted to break the car windows when it appeared to stall.
The 53-year-old is now facing charges including dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, wounding with intent to cause GBH, and attempted GBH.
Doyle has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
These charges follow Merseyside Police quickly dismissing terrorism as a potential motive for the incident.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, commented: “The investigation is currently in its initial stages. Prosecutors and police are working rapidly to examine a substantial amount of evidence, including numerous video recordings and witness testimonies. It is crucial to ensure that every victim receives the justice they deserve.”
“The charges will remain under review as the investigation continues. We recognise that the shocking events on Monday deeply affected the city of Liverpool and the entire country, on what should have been a joyous day for hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC supporters. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted.”
Doyle previously served as a Royal Marine commando but is now reportedly a businessman who operated a company that has since been dissolved.
He has also participated in triathlons and enjoyed luxurious holidays.
Neighbours in his quiet residential area claimed his wife only became aware of the crash after seeing the car on the news.
Police have maintained a presence outside his four-bedroom family home, where he resides with his wife, a teacher, and their three children, since Monday.
The chaotic scene unfolded on Monday when thousands of Liverpool fans lined the streets to watch the Premier League trophy parade on an open-top bus.
This was the first time since 1990 that fans could celebrate a league title with a parade, as their 2020 victory occurred during the pandemic.
However, the celebrations quickly turned terrifying when a dark grey Ford Galaxy suddenly appeared on Water Street.
Merseyside Police confirmed the car had followed an ambulance that was responding to a member of the public suspected of having a heart attack, moving past the established cordon.
Mobile phone footage captured the vehicle driving into the crowd, accompanied by screams.
It initially stopped, prompting brave fans to rush forward to try and pull the driver out.
But the car then lurched forward again, causing pedestrians to scatter before finally coming to a complete halt.
Fire crews arrived to find four people, including a child, trapped under the vehicle and promptly worked to free them.
Approximately 79 individuals were taken to hospital, with two, including a child, sustaining serious injuries.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that seven individuals remain hospitalised in a stable condition.
Harry Rashid, 48, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, recounted: “It happened about ten feet from us. We had no control over where we were because the street was very narrow.”
“The vehicle came from our right. It emerged right beside a parked ambulance. It drove up from the right and crashed into everyone near us. It was fast. The sound was horrifying.”
Merseyside Police reiterated that the incident was not being treated as terror-related and stated the driver is a white British man.
Sir Keir Starmer also issued a statement, saying: “The events in Liverpool are shocking – my thoughts are with everyone injured or affected. I commend the police and emergency services for their swift and effective response to this distressing incident. I am being kept informed of developments and request that we allow the police the necessary space to conduct their investigation.”
Liverpool FC stated: “We are in direct communication with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street, which occurred towards the conclusion of the trophy parade this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident. We will continue to provide our full support to the emergency services and local authorities managing this situation.”
