UFC’s Paddy Pimblett has released a statement after confirming he attended Liverpool’s trophy parade on Monday that ended in disaster.
The Liverpool-born Reds fan shared a heartfelt statement following the shocking events.
After a day full of celebration and elation, the streets of Liverpool descended into chaos as a black SUV ploughed into a crowd of fans who had turned up to show their support.
It has been confirmed that 47 people were injured, with 27 being admitted to hospital - including four children.
The black SUV was eventually stopped, with a 53-year-old man detainedPAPimblett, who attended the celebrations with his two young children, took to Instagram to express his devastation at the incident.
“Went to the parade today amazing support as always for our Reds. Nobody does celebrations and parades like us @liverpoolfc,” the 30-year-old wrote.
“Taking the babies to their first ever parade today was a memory I’ll never forget, the looks on their little faces looking at the spectacle, and I’ll have the pictures and videos to show them when they grow up.
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"Still cannot believe what actually happened after it, a day of celebration turned into a worry for everyone who was there or even knew anybody there.
“Friends and family messaging to make sure that they are safe is something that we shouldn’t have to do or worry about.
He added: “Hope anyone injured has a fast recovery and anyone affected already knows they have the full city supporting them. Red or blue, it doesn’t matter.
“Things like this are more important than football. YNWA.”
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Pimblett attended the parade as a Liverpool fan, but was keen to share his concerns for all those who were in the area, regardless of their allegiances on the football field.
The UFC star joins Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to offer their thoughts on the tragedy and to anyone who has been affected.
It has been confirmed that a 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, has been arrested.
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Deputy chief constable Jenny Sims confirmed a 53-year-old man has been arrested
PA
Deputy chief constable Jenny Sims confirmed Merseyside Police was treating it as an isolated incident, and not an act of terrorism.
The parade began at 2pm in the city centre, where thousands of Liverpool fans could be seen flocking to the city to celebrate.
By 6pm, a black people carrier drove into dozens of fans who were dispersing from the area.
The police were quick to identify the culprit as a white male, in order to prevent misinformation from being spread online.
On Tuesday morning, Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed there are "still four people who are very, very ill in hospital," one of which being a child.
"We are hoping, of course, that they pull through," he continued.
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