Shocking footage has revealed the horrifying moment a driver deliberately ploughed his car into a sea of Liverpool football fans celebrating a Premier League victory, before smashing into an ambulance. Paul Doyle has now been jailed for 21 years and six months for the calculated attack that left 134 people injured.
Carnage on the Streets of Liverpool
The incident occurred on May 26, as more than 750,000 people packed Liverpool city centre for the team's victory parade. Dramatic CCTV evidence showed Doyle speeding aggressively down Water Street, forcing his Ford Galaxy through the dense crowd and scattering terrified supporters in all directions. The vehicle was seen travelling to the left of a stationary ambulance, with many people trapped between the two.
In a desperate attempt to halt the carnage, shocked fans surrounded the car, banging on its roof and windscreen. Instead of stopping, Doyle slammed the car into reverse, lurching backwards into the ambulance and forcing more people to dive out of the way. Police officers in high-visibility jackets were seen rushing towards the vehicle as brave bystanders tried to pull open the driver's door.
A Deliberate Attack, Not an Accident
Senior Crown Prosecutor for Merseyside, James Allison, stated unequivocally that Doyle had used his car as a weapon. "This was not an accident, there was no impairment through drink or drugs," Allison said. "This was him losing his temper and going into a rage. He drove into the crowd because he lost his temper."
Allison described how Doyle was "determined to get through" and "wasn't going to stop unless he was stopped." The prosecutor detailed the seven-minute rampage, which began on Dale Street before moving to Water Street, where the worst of the injuries occurred in a 70-second period. The attack left victims with serious fractures to arms and ankles, as well as lasting psychological trauma.
Guilty Plea and Lengthy Sentence
Doyle eventually admitted to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children. His charges included 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, alongside dangerous driving and affray. He had initially denied the charges but changed his plea.
When his car was finally stopped, four people were found trapped underneath. Prosecutors emphasised it was "lucky" there were no fatalities, given the scale of the incident. The court heard that Doyle's own dashcam recorded the entire attack, providing damning evidence of his intent.
Sentencing Doyle at Liverpool Crown Court, the judge condemned his actions which caused "carnage, fear and injury" across the whole city. The 21-year, six-month prison term reflects the severity of the premeditated violence inflicted upon men, women, children, and the elderly simply enjoying a civic celebration.
