Police given more time to question driver arrested following Liverpool car ramming

In a breakthrough following Monday's horror incident, the force's Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said the number of people still in hospital is going down.

Police added that Water Street, where the ramming took place, has finally reopened.

A statement said: "We can confirm that seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition following the incident on Water Street on Monday 26 May.

"As part of the ongoing investigation, we have also been able to identify more people who were injured, with 79 in total who we are now speaking with.

"A 53-year-old man from West Derby, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs, remains in police custody.

"The investigation team has today been granted further time to continue questioning him in police custody, which will remain in place until tomorrow."

LIVERPOOL CAR RAMMING - AS IT HAPPENED:

• Liverpool parade: Car drives into crowd of fans - Police make arrest as injured rushed to hospital
• British man arrested after car ploughs into crowd during Liverpool victory parade
• Liverpool parade eyewitness shares moment car ploughed into crowd: 'It missed my family by inches!'
• Liverpool car ramming: Police chiefs confirm 47 injured following 'isolated incident' at parade

DS Wilson said: "I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident.

"We continue to support those still receiving treatment, and as part of our ongoing enquiries, we are identifying more people who were injured.

"I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened.

"In addition, extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.

"We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there on the day, and I thank them for their cooperation with our investigation.

"I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so."

The horror ramming came as thousands descended on Merseyside to watch Liverpool FC celebrate their 20th league title.

A team bus had travelled along the Strand, which runs perpendicular to Water Street - home to the city's iconic Liver Building.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims had said on Tuesday: "It is believed the driver... was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a heart attack."

"There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place."