Man accused of driving into crowd at Liverpool victory parade faces 24 new charges

A man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool FC's Premier League title parade now faces 24 additional charges.

Two of these relate to alleged victims who were babies.

The accused, Paul Doyle, appeared over video link from prison in front of Liverpool Crown Court today (14 August).

Originally, the 53-year-old was charged with seven offences related to the incident, which took place on Water Street in Liverpool city centre after 6pm on Monday 26 May.

Six of the new charges revealed at Liverpool Crown Court related to children, including two babies aged just six months and seven months at the time of the incident.

As reported by the BBC, Doyle appeared tearful when confirming his identity before being asked not to enter pleas to any charges against him after his barrister asked for more time to look over the new counts.

Doyle was told of 24 new charges made against him for his actions at the Liverpool FC parade (DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

The hearing lasted just 20 minutes, with Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC adjourning the case until 4 September, where Doyle will be expected to enter pleas.

Of the 24 new charges, 23 are assault charges and the remaining charge was one count of affray.

Merseyside Police provided updates following the incident, eventually stating that 134 people were injured after Doyle allegedly drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds of celebrating football supporters.

They further alleged that Doyle had tailgated an ambulance to get onto the closed roads, in scenes that were described as 'horrendous' by witnesses.

Doyle, from Croxteth, Liverpool, was charged with two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving, in May this year.

One wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge relate to children aged 11 and 17.

A provisional trial date was previously fixed for 24 November, with proceedings expected to last three to four weeks.

Doyle is expected to enter pleas on 4 September (Facebook)

Merseyside Police stated early on that the incident was not being treated as an act of terrorism.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that a '53-year-old white, British man from the Liverpool area was arrested', who was believed to be the driver of the vehicle which ploughed through the crowds.

She confirmed: “What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it. The incident is not being treated as terrorism.”

Liverpool fans were celebrating their 20th top flight title win and their second in the Premier League era, finishing 10 points clear of their nearest challengers.