A father-of-three and former Royal Marine, Paul Doyle, has been charged following a horrifying incident in Liverpool where a car ploughed into a crowd of supporters celebrating the city’s Premier League victory. The crash, which took place on Water Street at approximately 18:00 BST on Monday, resulted in 79 people being injured, including a nine-year-old child.
Doyle, 53, from West Derby, has been arrested by Merseyside Police and will appear in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning. He faces multiple serious charges, including causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charges include an alleged offense against a child, further intensifying the severity of the situation.
Merseyside Police Continue Investigation
In a press briefing on Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims confirmed that detectives were diligently reviewing a “huge volume” of CCTV and mobile phone footage from the scene, alongside witness statements. Sims further noted that seven individuals are still hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the incident. The local community remains shaken by the event, with neighbours of Doyle expressing disbelief after the arrest.
A local resident recounted the scene after the crash: “I came out late on Monday night and there was police everywhere, looking around all the houses. I had a thought—imagine if it was him?”
The investigation continues to unfold, with additional footage from businesses, dashcams, and mobile phones being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
Charges Breakdown and Legal Repercussions
Paul Doyle is facing a total of seven charges across four categories. These include two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), one of which involves a child. Additionally, Doyle is charged with two counts of causing unlawful and malicious GBH with intent, as well as two counts of attempting to cause GBH. The final charge relates to dangerous driving.
According to the Sentencing Council, the GBH charges are linked to the nature of the injuries allegedly inflicted, with wounding involving the breaking of the skin. Police confirmed that the ages of the victims range from nine to 78 years old.
Community Shock and Continued Investigation
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Mersey-Cheshire region, stated that all charges would remain under review as the investigation progresses. “It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve,” Hammond remarked.
The incident has left the Liverpool community in shock, with many questioning how such a tragic event occurred during what was supposed to be a joyous celebration. Assistant Chief Constable Sims reassured the public that detectives are “working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism” to uncover all the facts and provide more information as soon as it is available.
Investigation and Future Updates
As the investigation continues, the public and victims’ families await further developments. A significant amount of evidence, including numerous witness statements and video footage, will play a crucial role in determining the full extent of the events and the charges to be pursued.
