Love Island star caught up in Liverpool parade horror as she reveals she had left scene just before car hit pedestrians
TERRIFIED Love Island star caught up in Liverpool parade horror as she reveals she had left scene just before car hit pedestrians
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LOVE Island star Sharon Gaffka revealed she was caught up in the Liverpool horror - saying she was "lucky" to have left the area before the incident.
Dozens of people were injured when the vehicle smashed into supporters celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win.
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Sharon Gaffka revealed she was caught up in the Liverpool horror
Credit: Instagram
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The reality star said she was 'lucky to escape' just before the incident took place
Credit: AP
Four children were among the 47 people hurt, with cops confirming a 53-year-old white British man from the Merseyside area was arrested at the scene.
The reality star, 29, took to her Instagram account to reassure fans that she was safe.
Sharon wrote: "Hey everyone, I've had so many messages about today's parade - thank you for checking in.
"We're all safe and have managed to get out of the city centre."
The former pageant queen said she left the location shortly before the incident took place.
She continued: We were actually on Water Street not long before it happened, but we left because we were trying to find a friend of ours, so we feel incredibly lucky.
"Thinking of everyone affected today."
A number of other celebrities have shared their messages to those affected.
Helen Flanagan wrote: "So upset to hear what happened yesterday in Liverpool, my heart is with those that were affected."
Four kids among 47 injured after white British man, 53, 'ploughed' car into Liverpool FC parade as cops rule out terror
Love Island's Scott van-der-Sluis said he was also in Liverpool for the parade, writing: "Loads of messages about being at the Liverpool parade today and yes I'm safe thank you everyone for asking.
"What was an incredible day has now been overshadowed by a sumbags act of violence.
"Thoughts go out to all affected, just desperately want to hear the statement that there's been no deaths."
Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison also shared an update with worried fans, writing: "Home safe. Never been so terrified.
"Can't believe we were on the actual road.
"Praying for all the injured and families of those. Just traumatic."
As the horror unfolded, brave fans attempted to smash the car's windows to get at the driver when he stalled.
But he managed to start up again, piling into more screaming supporters as they tried to flee.
Just a few hours earlier at 2.30pm, hundreds of thousands had packed the streets to watch an open-top bus tour as the team celebrated winning the Premier League.
Some revellers climbed traffic lights to get a view of their heroes and crimson flares were set off during the ten-mile city tour.
It was the first time since 1990 Liverpool could celebrate a title win with a parade, their 2020 success coming during the pandemic.
But as the parade began to wind down just before 6pm, a dark grey Ford Galaxy suddenly appeared in Water Street.
One mobile phone clip showed it colliding with dozens of screaming supporters before making a sharp right turn and stopping.
Seconds later, it turned to the left, and appeared to hit several more before coming to a standstill.
Despite fans' best efforts to stop the car, numerous people were thrown to the sides and some fell beneath the rampaging vehicle.
After pushing through dozens of footie fans for around 20m, the car came to a stop.
Fire crews arrived to find four people trapped under the vehicle, including a child, and worked quickly to free them.
Around 27 people were rushed to hospital, two - including a child - had serious injuries.
Ambulances, a hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.
Emergency ambulances took patients to the Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals.
Merseyside Police issued a statement on the horror crash soon after.
The force quickly addressed the incident, saying: "We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre.
"We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street.
"The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained.
"Emergency services are currently on the scene. We will issue more updates as we have them."
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