Three men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act following a taxi explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital that killed the passenger and injured the driver. The suspects, aged 29, 26 and 21, were detained in the Kensington area of the city on Sunday evening as part of the ongoing investigation.
The explosion occurred shortly before 11am on Remembrance Sunday, as the two-minute silence was due to begin. The taxi burst into flames outside the main entrance of the hospital, which is also near Liverpool Cathedral where the city’s commemorative event was taking place. Police believe the cause was unlikely to be a vehicle fault, and they are examining whether the location was deliberately chosen.
The taxi driver managed to escape the burning vehicle and is in hospital in a stable condition. He has not been arrested. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, supported by MI5 and Merseyside Police. Armed officers cordoned off streets in Sefton Park and Kensington, with some residents evacuated as searches continued.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police reassured the public that such incidents are rare, while Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson described the event as unsettling. Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked the emergency services for their swift response. The investigation remains ongoing, with police keeping an open mind regarding the motive.
