Dad Paul Doyle, 53, Charged Over Liverpool Parade Crash, Revealed as Ex-Royal Marine

A father of three, 53-year-old Paul Doyle, who has been charged following an incident where a car drove into crowds at the Liverpool parade, injuring 79 people, has been identified as a former Royal Marine.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon during celebrations for the team`s Premier League victory, when a vehicle struck fans gathered for the parade.

Paul Doyle, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, was arrested after courageous spectators tried to break the car windows when it seemed to stop.

The 53-year-old faces charges of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, wounding with intent to cause GBH, and attempted GBH.

Doyle has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

These charges follow Merseyside Police`s swift confirmation that terrorism was not considered the motive for the alleged attack.

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, commented: “The investigation is in its initial phase. Prosecutors and police are diligently working to examine a large amount of evidence, including various video recordings and numerous witness accounts. Ensuring justice for every victim is crucial. The charges will be re-evaluated as the investigation proceeds. We acknowledge that the disturbing events of Monday had a significant impact across Liverpool and the entire nation, disrupting what should have been a celebratory day for hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC supporters. Our sympathies are with everyone affected.”

Doyle is a former Royal Marine commando who is now believed to be a businessman whose company has since been dissolved.

He had previously participated in triathlons and enjoyed upscale vacations.

According to neighbours in his tranquil suburban area, his wife reportedly learned about the incident only upon seeing the car on the news.

Since Monday, police have maintained a presence outside his four-bedroom family residence, where he resides with his wife, a teacher, and their three children.

The chaotic scene unfolded on Monday when thousands of Liverpool fans gathered in the streets for the parade celebrating the team`s Premier League trophy win on an open-top bus.

This parade marked the first time since 1990 that fans were able to celebrate a league title with a parade, as their previous success in 2020 occurred during the pandemic.

However, the celebratory atmosphere quickly turned grim when a dark grey Ford Galaxy unexpectedly appeared on Water Street.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the car had followed an ambulance past the safety cordon, which had been established because medics were attending to a person suspected of having a heart attack.

Video recorded on mobile phones captured the vehicle driving into the crowd, accompanied by the sounds of screaming.

The vehicle then stopped, prompting brave fans to rush towards it, attempting to pull the driver out.

However, the car then abruptly moved forward again, causing pedestrians to scatter before it ultimately came to a stop.

Firefighters arrived and found four individuals, including a child, trapped beneath the vehicle. They worked swiftly to rescue them.

Approximately 79 people were transported to the hospital, with two individuals, including a child, sustaining serious injuries.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that seven people are still hospitalised, but in a stable condition.

Harry Rashid, 48, who attended the parade with his wife and two young daughters, recounted: “It occurred about ten feet away from us. We couldn`t control our position as the street was very narrow. The vehicle approached from our right, emerging right beside a parked ambulance. It came from the right and crashed into everyone near us. It was rapid. The sound was horrifying.”

Merseyside Police reiterated that the incident was not being investigated as terrorism-related and stated that the driver was a white British male.

Sir Keir Starmer also issued a statement, saying: “The events in Liverpool are horrific – my thoughts go out to all those injured or impacted. I wish to express my gratitude to the police and emergency services for their prompt and continued response to this disturbing event. I am being kept informed of updates and request that the police are allowed the necessary space to conduct their investigation.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC released a statement: “We are in direct communication with Merseyside Police concerning the incident on Water Street that took place near the conclusion of the trophy parade this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this serious event. We will persist in providing our complete assistance to the emergency services and local authorities managing this situation.”