Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he is “praying for a speedy recovery” for those injured when a car ploughed into supporters at the club’s trophy parade.
About 50 people – including four children – were injured when a car rammed into crowds during Monday’s Premier League trophy parade in central Liverpool.
A 53-year-old British man from the Liverpool area has since been arrested.
Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says there are four injured people in hospital that are “very, very ill”.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected,” wrote Van Dijk on social media.
“Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. We are with you all.”
Van Dijk posted a picture of the city’s Royal Liver Building alongside his message.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp added on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at a news conference on Monday: “Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with them”.
Ex-Liverpool manager and player Kenny Dalglish said he was “shocked, horrified and deeply saddened” by the incident.
Liverpool’s chief executive officer Billy Hogan said: “I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all those who’ve been affected by this appalling incident.
“This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fanbase, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident.”
Tens of thousands of supporters were on the streets of Liverpool on bank holiday Monday to celebrate the side winning the Premier League.
Water Street was closed to traffic for the parade.
However, eye witnesses said the car ignored ‘road closed’ signs.
The car ploughed into supporters at about 18:00 BST, approximately 10 minutes after the bus containing Liverpool’s players, staff and the Premier League trophy had departed.
Police say they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Twenty-seven people were taken to hospitals around the city after the incident.
[BBC]