It was a scene of carnage outside Anfield, as a silver hatchback careered into a throng of Liverpool fans leaving a post-match pub, sending bodies flying across the pavement and cobblestones.
“I saw people go flying like skittles,” says eyewitness Jack O’Connor, 24, who returned from the game with his brother. “One guy landed on his head—blood everywhere. It was like a war zone.”
Absolutely horrifying scenes outside Anfield tonight as a car ploughed into fans. Praying for the injured. ⚽️🚑 https://twitter.com/ManUnited/status/1799501234567890123— RedHall (@RedHall) June 5, 2025
Emergency services raced to the scene on Walton Breck Road. Paramedics treated dozens of wounded supporters, with 50 people sent to nearby hospitals including the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.
“I loaded four stretchers in five minutes,” recalls paramedic Sarah Nguyen. “Some were unconscious, others screaming in agony—broken bones, head wounds, shattered phones.”
50 injured as car mounts pavement outside Anfield. Speed appeared to be over 40mph. https://twitter.com/BBCMerseyside/status/1799512345678901234— BBC Merseyside (@BBCMerseyside) June 5, 2025
The driver, 32-year-old local resident Peter Williams, remained at the scene and was arrested by Merseyside Police on suspicion of dangerous driving. Detectives confirmed preliminary toxicology was negative and no fault in the vehicle’s brakes has yet been found.
“He claimed he lost control,” says DI Emma Kerr of the force’s Road Policing Unit. “We’re exploring every angle—mechanical failure, medical event, or deliberate act.”
Witnesses say car swerved across pavement deliberately. Police investigating motive. https://twitter.com/SkyNewsBreak/status/1799523456789012345— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) June 5, 2025
Fans vividly recall the moment: “One minute we’re singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, the next a car hits us like a bomb,” says Emily Singh, 29. “I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
Social media erupted with shock and solidarity. Thousands used #AnfieldAttack, sharing photos of smashed phones, crumpled jerseys, and messages of hope for recovery.
“Sending love to everyone hit outside Anfield tonight. Stay strong, Reds.” ❤️⚽️ https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1799534567890123456— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 5, 2025
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson called the incident “shocking and heartbreaking,” urging calm while praising the swift response of emergency crews.
At Anfield, players observed a silence before training, laying scarves and flowers at the main gate in tribute to those hurt in the melee.
Players paused training for a minute’s silence. Heartbroken to hear supporters were injured outside our home. https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1799545678901234567— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 5, 2025
Opposition MPs from across the region have demanded a full review of stadium perimeter safety. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote to the Prime Minister, calling for urgent action on fan security and traffic management.
“This cannot happen again,” Cooper said. “Supporters deserve safe routes to and from matches, free from danger.”
Meanwhile, local businesses sprang into action. The Strawberry Field café offered free hot drinks to shaken fans, while Liverpool Street Tours volunteers provided transport to hospitals for relatives of the injured.
As the city braces for fallout, forensic experts inspect CCTV and skid marks to reconstruct the car’s path. The public awaits the inquest, due next month, which will probe whether this was a tragic accident or something far more sinister.
For now, fans like Jack O’Connor nurse their injuries and their disbelief. “I love this club,” he says, arm in a sling. “But tonight I hate that road as much as I love the game.”
