In the early hours of Saturday 7 October, officers investigating a serious collision on The Strand in Liverpool city centre have made a third arrest. The incident involved a white Audi TT, which was travelling at high speed and caught the attention of patrols at approximately 1.10am.
The Audi was later involved in a collision with a private hire car on The Strand, near its junction with Brunswick Street. The private hire car then collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a man in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital for critical treatment. The private hire driver, a man in his 50s, also required medical attention for neck injuries.
On Saturday, two individuals, a 53-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, both from Southport, were arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation. They remain in police custody. However, the driver of the Audi managed to flee the scene on foot.
In a recent development, the authorities have now apprehended a 28-year-old man from the Southport area. He was taken into custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop or report a road traffic collision, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Detectives are set to interview him.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer for the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit, expressed gratitude for the progress made in the investigation. However, he urged any witnesses who may have seen the incident or captured it on their dashcam to come forward. Of particular interest is the driver of a black hackney taxi, who appeared to have picked up a suspect shortly after the crash. The taxi driver may not be aware of the significance of this journey, as it occurred away from the scene of the collision. Detective Sergeant Timpson implored the taxi driver to contact the police as soon as possible to aid in their inquiries. The taxi collected the man outside the Crown Court on Lord Street, at the junction with Castle Street. The suspect is described as a white male with fair hair, wearing dark shorts, a lighter-colored t-shirt, and dark trainers. He was also seen carrying a bag across his body and appeared to be injured.
Detective Sergeant Timpson urged residents and businesses in the area to review any CCTV or dashcam footage they may have in order to assist with the investigation. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by Merseyside Police, as it followed recent police contact.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit at (0151) 777 5747, email [email protected], or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter/X, quoting reference 23000974882. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
