One man's actions had such a profound impact on violent crime in Merseyside that he received a special mention in the force's annual statement of accounts, released earlier this week. The accounts detail the force's budget and cashflow, alongside a summary of recorded crime changes compared to previous years.
Crime Statistics and the Impact of One Individual
Recorded crimes rose by 2.1% in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, with 137,308 crimes recorded in Merseyside. Crimes classified as 'serious violence' jumped by 19.6%. Police attributed this partly to a reclassification of business robberies (which surged by 139%), but also to the scale of violence committed by one man in May 2025.
The report states: “Serious violence overall crime volumes were also influenced by offences recorded following the major incident at the Liverpool FC Premier League title parade in the City Centre, in May 2025.”
The Incident on Water Street
Paul Doyle, 54, of Burghill Road in West Derby, was jailed for 21 years and six months after admitting 31 charges related to the carnage on Water Street. Shortly after 6pm on Monday, May 26, 2025, Doyle drove his two-tonne Ford Galaxy into a crowd of Liverpool fans on Water Street, who were returning home from seeing their team on the Strand. More than 100 people were injured, with 50 requiring hospital treatment, all later discharged. Prosecutors said he "lost his temper"; dashcam footage showed him driving directly at men, women, and children while swearing and shouting.
Increases in Hate Crimes and Sexual Offences
Reports of hate crimes leapt by 12.5% in 2025/26 compared to the previous year. Rape reports increased by 8.5%, and other sexual offences climbed by 3.5%. The report notes that these increases are “not an undesirable outcome” as police “seek to encourage victims to have the confidence to report offences, particularly where such crimes are often under-reported.” Drug offences increased by 9.5%, attributed to “proactive policing” such as stop and search.
Declines in Other Serious Crimes
There were sharp drops in other serious crimes: homicide fell by 36%, firearms discharges by 24%, and burglary by 10%.
Reactions from the Police and Crime Commissioner
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell described the increase in recorded rape offences as “deeply concerning” and “distressing for victims, survivors and our communities.” She said: “While any increase in rape offences is a cause for concern, it is important to understand what may sit behind these figures. An increase in reports can, in part, reflect greater confidence among victims and survivors to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, believed and supported. We know that many victims face significant barriers to reporting, and giving people the confidence to seek help remains a crucial part of our response.
“That growing confidence is supported by the ongoing work of Merseyside Police through the national Operation Soteria programme, which promotes victim-centred, suspect-focused investigations, as well as the outstanding support provided by my commissioned sexual violence services, RASA Merseyside and RASASC. Their staff work tirelessly every day to provide specialist advocacy, practical support and a compassionate response to victims when they need it most.
“However, we must never lose sight of the fact that behind every statistic is a survivor. The harm caused by these offences cannot be underestimated. I remain committed to working closely with partners and, through my role in holding the Chief Constable to account, ensuring victims and survivors remain at the heart of the criminal justice process, while continuing our efforts to tackle violence against women and girls and bring perpetrators to justice.”
On the increase in hate crimes, Ms Spurrell said: “While an increase in reporting can be a positive sign that more victims feel confident coming forward, each report represents someone who has experienced unacceptable prejudice, hostility or abuse, and that should never be tolerated. Across Merseyside, significant work has been undertaken by policing, local authorities and community partners to raise awareness of hate crime, improve support for victims and give people greater confidence to come forward and report incidents. Over recent years, my office has worked closely with partners to increase reporting opportunities through hate crime walkabouts, community engagement events, training for frontline staff and the expansion of third-party reporting services.
“We are proud to fund Stop Hate UK, providing a confidential and independent route for victims to seek help, and we have seen increased use of this service, alongside growing engagement from communities that may previously have been reluctant to report. Our focus remains on ensuring victims receive the support they need, while continuing to challenge hate in all its forms. Through investment in specialist local support services, strengthened partnership working and education initiatives across our communities, we are working hard to make Merseyside a safer, more inclusive place where everyone feels confident to report hate crime and access support.”
