Football fan's 'absolute agony' in hospital after car ploughs into crowd during Liverpool trophy parade

Jack Trotter said he is in "absolute agony" after being hit by a car at the end of the Liverpool FC Premier League title parade in the city today

A Liverpool FC supporter hospitalised after being struck by a car during yesterday's Premier League title celebrations has described his condition as being in "absolute agony."

Jack Trotter, amongst the dozens of fans who descended on Merseyside for Monday's open-top bus procession, travelled from Newtownards, County Down in Northern Ireland with his partner, Abbie Gallagher. Mr Trotter was among those injured by a vehicle following the parade's conclusion.

From his hospital bed, he told BBC News Northern Ireland the extent of his pain, stating he's in "absolute agony". The incident prompted an immediate response from Merseyside Police, who were alerted just after 6pm of reports of a car colliding with several individuals on Water Street in the city centre.

The scene saw a significant turnout from emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and medical teams, all converging around Water Street. Merseyside Police have detained a 53 year old white British male from Liverpool in relation to the event, reports the Liverpool Echo. During an evening press briefing, it emerged that 27 individuals had been hospitalised, with two suffering severe injuries, one of whom is a child.

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Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims disclosed that the man apprehended is believed to be the driver of the car involved in the accident. The force has also indicated that the occurrence is not being treated as an act of terrorism and is considered an isolated event.

ACC Sims stated: "Extensive enquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.

"I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.

"The incident is not being treated as terrorism. We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team."

Merseyside Police have provided an earlier update regarding the details of the man apprehended to prevent unwarranted conjecture about the event. They commented: "We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

"We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.

"We would ask people not to share distressing content online but to send the footage or information directly to us @MerPolCC or pass on information by calling 101 quoting log 784."

During the press briefing, Liverpool council leader Liam Robinson said: "I'd like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.

"The event has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

"I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded to help those who were hurt and to our NHS staff treating them in hospital.

"We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.

"I would appeal for people please not to share the horrifying footage of the incident on social media - please if you have information forward it to Merseyside Police to help them with their investigation.

"We won't be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to. Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.

"Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times I've no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks."