Merseyside Police say they suspect the driver who ploughed into a crowd at the Liverpool Premier League title parade was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street.

Questions have been raised over how the vehicle managed to make its way onto Water Street, given the tight security presence in Liverpool as close to one million people lined the streets.

Merseyside Police now believe the driver might have been able to tailgate an ambulance that was making its way towards Water Street to treat an individual was who suffering a suspected heart attack.

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Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in the incident was able to follow an ambulance on to Water Street after a road block was temporarily lifted, so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.

"As with many large events with event organisers, we plan for all contingencies, and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day.

"There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place and, as we've previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism."

The 53-year-old man who police understand was the driver involved remains in custody.

Police have until lunchtime tomorrow to either release the suspect or pursue charges.

Police have reminded the public not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Any footage must be sent to the relevant authorities.

Eleven people remain in hospital following the incident.

Sims continued: “They (injured individuals) are all in a stable condition and I am pleased to say that they appear to be recovering well.

"I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday's incident.

"Within a matter of seconds following such a shocking incident, they immediately ran towards an extra uncertain and potentially dangerous situation."