Liverpool Women’s Hospital explosion: hero taxi driver ‘locks passenger in car before he detonates bomb’
Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation into the explosion, which occurred as Remembrance Day services were being held across the country
A hero taxi driver allegedly locked his passenger in his taxi before he detonated a bomb outside a hospital in Liverpool, according to reports.
The taxi driver, who has been named locally as David Perry, allegedly pulled up outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital this morning and locked the man in the vehicle after “noticing the device”, before getting out of the vehicle.
The man was declared dead at the scene and has not been formally identified.
Mr Perry is in hospital in a stable condition and is being treated for his injuries.
Social media users praised the alleged actions of Mr Perry.
One wrote: “David saved so many lives today at the risk of his own life , David saved his city.”
Another said: “David Perry today put his life on the line and nearly paid the ultimate price to save others apparently not giving a second thought for himself.”
The blast was reported to police at 10.59am, just before the nationwide 11am silence as Remembrance Sunday was marked across the country.
Counter-terrorism police have arrested three men in connection with the incident.
The men, aged 21, 26 and 29, were detained by Counter Terrorism Police North West officers in the Kensington area of the city under the Terrorism Act.
Greater Manchester Police said detectives from Counter Terrorism Police North West “continue to keep an open mind” about the cause of the explosion” and are “working closely with colleagues at Merseyside Police” as the “investigation continues at pace”.
The arrests announcement came after reports armed police raided a house in Liverpool after the explosion.
A spokesperson for North West Counter Terrorism Unit confirmed to the Liverpool Echo an armed police incident in south Liverpool is connected to the taxi explosion outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday morning.
In a statement the force said: “Police activity on Rutland Avenue is connected to an earlier incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.”
There is an ongoing stand-off this evening between police and occupants of a house on Rutland Avenue in the Sefton area of the city.
Police negotiators have been seen approaching a house on the street, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Police have not confirmed if the incident is in connection with the explosion at the hospital
The driver was injured and is in hospital in a stable condition.
Merseyside Police said: “Unfortunately, we can confirm that one person has died and another has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injuries, which thankfully are not life-threatening.
“So far we understand that the car involved was a taxi which pulled up at the hospital shortly before the explosion occurred.
“Work is still going on to establish what has happened, and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything.”
“We are keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion but given how it has happened, out of caution, Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation supported by Merseyside Police.”
It has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage as officers try to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Counter Terrorism Police North West said before the arrests were announced: “We can confirm that we are investigating a car explosion outside the Women’s Hospital in Liverpool earlier today (Sunday 14 November) in which a person has died.
“We are leading the investigation with support from Merseyside Police, and are keeping an open mind as to what has caused the explosion.
“We are working at a rapid pace to try and establish the circumstances behind this and will update in due course.”
Liverpool Women’s Hospital said visiting access had been restricted “until further notice” and patients had been diverted to other hospitals “where possible”.
Reports of an explosion first emerged on social media along with pictures of a vehicle ablaze outside the hospital building.
A number of police, fire and ambulance service vehicles including a helicopter could be seen in attendance at the scene on Crown Street in the city along with a van from the Army’s Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal unit.
Cordons were in place around the area and there were some road closures as Merseyside Police urged people to “remain calm but vigilant”.
The hospital said it had restricted access “with immediate effect and until further notice”, with patients diverted to other hospitals “where possible” and appointments likely to be cancelled.
The city’s mayor Joanne Anderson said: “This morning’s tragic incident at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital has understandably caused a great deal of concern.
“Given the police investigation is ongoing, we need to refrain from speculation so that the facts can be established.
“The emergency services have been excellent in their handling of this incident and I offer them my sincere thanks. The response time to the scene was fantastically swift and the vehicle fire was out within minutes ensuring any other damage to property or harm to individuals was contained.
“This incident has clearly had a big impact on the hospital itself, especially the patients, their families and staff.
“The next 24 hours will be critical to the investigation, as a result the hospital will need to cancel patient visits to assist this process.
“For those who have appointments at the Women’s over the next 24 hours please do not come to the hospital until you have been contacted by staff and instructed to do so.
“It is vitally important that everyone remains calm during this stressful situation and allow the police to conduct their investigation in the appropriate manner.”