'Why, why, why?!' Eamonn Holmes pays tribute to Liverpool as he recalls first visit to 'beautiful city'

Of the nearly 50 people injured, 27 were treated in hospital, including two children. Four people became trapped underneath the vehicle and had to be freed by firefighters who lifted the car.

Police officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues.

Speaking on GB News, Eamonn recalled his first visit to the city as a child, noting its significance as his first footstep in Britain after arriving by ferry from Ireland.

He said: "Liverpool doesn't get enough credit, or it hasn't in the past. It is a beautiful city, amazing buildings. I mean, when you think of the trade that it was built on, a trading port for around the world.

"It was the first place I ever set foot on in England, in Britain and that would be the case for so many people, because basically, the ferry comes out of Ireland, out of Belfast or out of Dublin and you set foot in Liverpool. That is why so much of Liverpool is Irish.

"I did hang around longer than expected because I was arrested. I was ten or so at the time, I was there with my brother and my father.

"We were going to Manchester to see Manchester United play a football game.

"The trouble is, my father didn't have his driving licence with him. This was like 1972, and we were detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, because my father couldn't identify who actually he was.

"So that went on for a few hours. And then we got the train from Lime Street in Liverpool into Manchester, and then the big orange buses in Manchester to Old Trafford.

"We talk about football rivalry, and, but I don't think, Emily, there is such a thing today, when you see the tragedy and the sadness involved for so many people celebrating what was supposed to be a joyous day for so many red supporters yesterday?"

GB News co-host Emily Carver agreed: "The story just changed in a moment. Quite incredible.

"Lots of people on social media have said that they haven't been able to get in touch with friends, brothers, dads, sisters. They're are saying I know they're there but can't get in touch. Phones not working.

"I mean, the fear when you hear that a car is ploughed, you think of the absolute worst. And it's quite incredible, really, that it seems as though, fingers crossed, no one has perished in this.

"I imagine today that we'll find out a little bit more about this 53-year-old British, white British man that the police have identified as the suspect here, and find out what on earth was going on."

Eamonn said: "Why, why, why."