A man drove a vehicle into pedestrians in Liverpool on May 26, injuring 50 people, according to Merseyside Police. The incident occurred as hundreds of thousands of fans celebrated Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Remarkably, a six-month-old baby was thrown from a pram during the event but was unhurt.
Details of the Incident
The driver, identified as Doyle, a married man with three children, left his home in a Ford Galaxy Titanium intending to meet a friend celebrating the team’s victory. Instead, over a period of seven minutes, he drove into crowds of people. Some pedestrians were thrown against the vehicle’s bonnet.
Doyle continued driving, even reversing at one point and colliding with an ambulance. The vehicle was eventually stopped when people became trapped underneath it, and a pedestrian intervened to put the car in park.
Background and Investigation
Police quickly stated the incident was not an act of terrorism. Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald of Merseyside Police described the dashcam footage as “the most distressing and graphic” he had seen in his 20-year career. He stated, “It’s really difficult to comprehend how somebody can just drive over people in a fit of rage to get to where he wants to get to.”
The prosecution has described Doyle as a “family man,” and character references from friends and neighbors attest to his kindness. However, court records reveal a prior incident in his 20s where he bit off someone’s ear during a drunken brawl, resulting in a 12-month jail sentence.
What Happens Next?
It is likely that Doyle will face significant legal consequences for his actions. A possible next step is a full psychological evaluation to assess his state of mind at the time of the incident. The investigation could also explore any potential contributing factors, though police have already ruled out terrorism.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation and any potential trial, Doyle could receive a lengthy prison sentence. The incident may also prompt a review of security measures at large public gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this incident related to terrorism?
Police swiftly declared that the incident was not terrorism.
How many people were injured?
According to Merseyside Police, 50 people required hospital treatment.
What was the condition of the youngest victim?
A six-month-old baby was flung from his pram but was miraculously unhurt.
How do you reconcile the accounts of Doyle as a “family man” with the severity of his actions?
