'Catastrophic security breach!' Peter Bleksley blasts FAILINGS after Liverpool parade horror: 'How did this even happen?!'

A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving unfit through drugs following the incident.

Those hospitalised are said to be in a stable condition. The Ford Galaxy involved in the incident has been removed from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

Bleksley told GB News: "The police will have to apply for an extension now, because it's 36 hours since this dreadful event, and I'm sure that we will hear soon about any charges that may be brought.

"But what I'd like to do, if I may, is answer the question of how this even happened. How was that Ford Galaxy in Water Street? How was that allowed to happen?

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"Now, we heard the police yesterday saying that it tailgated an ambulance. Well, let me boil that down to hard language for you.

"That vehicle was in Water Street as a direct result of a catastrophic security breach. That's how it was in that street.

"It should not have been allowed in there. Somebody dropped the ball. Somebody got this very wrong.

"And in the fullness of time, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will, I'm sure, repeat the words that I've just said."

He added: "Credit where it's due, police officers acted swiftly to detain the man. Yes, tensions were running high, of course.

"I think paramedics and firefighters did a very commendable job, and Merseyside Police did very well in getting information out very quickly, in stark contrast to how they performed after the Southport disaster.

"So, credit where it's due. But yesterday, when Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims tells us not to speculate and says there was no intelligence that this kind of event was going to happen, well, quite frankly, it's nonsense, because when you are policing a huge event like this, rule number one, expect the unexpected."

Following the 53-year-old man's arrest, Merseyside Police stated: "It is believed the driver was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so the ambulance could tend to a person who was having a suspected heart attack."

The 53-year-old suspect remains in custody and has not yet been charged.

Officers have until midday tomorrow to either release him or pursue charges, with investigations into the circumstances continuing.