Mike Blair told ITV News he tried to stop the car, as ITV News Midlands Correspondent Stacey Foster reports
Words by ITV News Senior Producer Cat Dinneny
A Liverpool fan who rushed towards a moving car as it rammed into pedestrians in Liverpool has spoken to ITV News about the moment he pulled the driver out of the vehicle.
Mike Blair said he had to ‘stop the car’ and pushed people out of the way as it made its way down Water Street as Liverpool FC’s victory parade was drawing to a close.
He was also injured in the attack, suffering a bruised lung and ribs, as he tried to free those who were trapped.
Speaking to ITV News, he said: “We heard the noise and looked up and saw people flying everywhere. That’s when I pushed my mum left.
“As soon as we all heard that shift in gear we knew what was going on and we just ran at that car. It was terrifying, lots of screams and panic.
“There were a few of us, we just ran towards the door. We tried to break the glass, tried pulling the door open.
“There was lots of chaos and everyone tried to get him out, making sure the handbrake was on, making sure the keys weren’t in the ignition. We’ve got to stop the car, you know?”
With the car at a standstill, several people managed to get the driver out.
Mike said: “There wasn’t a word off him, he wasn’t speaking. but with all the chaos we managed to get him out with help from the police as well.”
With the help of others, Mike then tried to lift the Ford Galaxy to help those who were stuck underneath.
He said: “There was a guy underneath the right tyre, I think there were a few bodies under. We’ve tried to use the leverage of the door to try and lift it.
“I think we lifted it a few inches but then obviously after that, everyone’s got pushed off the car. Obviously when the adrenaline kicks in you think you can do anything. I’m paying for it now.”
Unaware of the extent of his own injuries, Mike then ran into a nearby restaurant to get whatever he could to help.
He handed out tissues and gloves to those who had been run over, but after sitting down, he was sick and passed out before being treated by paramedics and taken to hospital.
He was discharged on Tuesday evening.
“I don’t actually know what happened. I didn’t feel pain at the time.”
Nearly 80 people have been treated for their injuries so far and seven people are still in hospital in a stable condition.
Police have been given more time to question a 53-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
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