THE eucharist was offered in Liverpool Parish Church on Tuesday “with faith in the power of Christ’s healing love” after a car crash that injured dozens of people on the city’s streets.
Police received reports just after 6 p.m. on Monday that a car had collided with pedestrians on Water Street, in the city centre, while a parade celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s victory in the Premier League was drawing to a close. The area had been closed to normal traffic, and tens of thousands of people were taking part in the parade.
Dozens were injured, and the fire service reported that it had rescued four people trapped under a vehicle.
Merseyside Police said on Monday night that the car had stopped at the scene and that a 53-year-old British male from the Liverpool area had been arrested. The statement said that the police “believe this to be an isolated incident . . . not currently being treated as terrorism”.
An updated statement on Tuesday said that a “robust traffic management plan” had been in place, but that the driver of the car had been able to follow an ambulance on to Water Street. The man had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous-driving offences, and driving while unfit through drugs. He remained in custody.
The NHS on Tuesday said that 50 people had been treated at hospitals, and that 11 were still in hospital, but “recovering well”.
Water Street is a few minutes’ walk from Liverpool Parish Church. A statement published online by the church’s account early on Tuesday morning said that the church would open at 9 a.m. for quiet prayer and an opportunity to light a candle, and that a priest would be available.
“Liverpool Parish Church is open today for prayer, as it is every day, and will continue to be,” the Rector-designate, Canon Philip Anderson, said. “The eucharist is being offered, with faith in the power of Christ’s healing love, for the injured, and for all affected by yesterday’s tragic scenes. We will keep on praying for and being alongside the people of the city.”
On Monday night, the Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, released a prayer: “Lord, may we know your presence and peace at this time. Draw near to all those who have been hurt, shocked and scared. Thank you for those who bring gifts of healing and care and help us to trust you.”
On Tuesday, the Assistant Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Geoff Pearson, described how “many stopped me to chat and mull over what has happened,” as he walked around the city centre that morning.
“I’m struck by the sombre and subdued mood,” he said. “After the mountain-top experience of the Champions Parade, we have come down to a sad and violent valley.”
At Liverpool Parish Church, a man had asked him: “‘What kind of world are we passing on to our grandchildren?’” the Bishop said. “We looked up at the imposing cross in the church and registered where we can find hope and comfort. . . Alongside the big cross . . . are the figures of Mary and John, reminding us that the Master wanted them to take care of each other. I think that must be true for people across our region. Many who will feel confused, angry — a whole of range of emotions.
“The verse that I offer comes in John, Chapter 16, where Jesus reminds us ‘In this world, you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’”
Among those in need of prayer were the Church’s chaplains ministering in hospitals, Bishop Pearson said.
The incident took place the day before the installation of the new RC Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Revd John Sherrington. The service included prayers for the injured, their families and friends, and the whole community.
Archbishop Sherrington said: “I know that the people of Liverpool will walk together to support those who are suffering and the city has the capacity to rebuild itself again after tragedy. This is the spirit of Liverpool that I am proud to have joined.”
This story was updated on 28 May