‘Terror blast’ rocks maternity hospital
Three arrested after man is killed in taxi explosion
COUNTER-TERRORISM police have made three arrests after a man was killed in a taxi explosion outside a hospital.
Officers said the passenger died at the scene in Liverpool yesterday while the driver remains in a stable condition.
Emergency crews were alerted at 10.59am as the nation fell silent on Remembrance Sunday.
The taxi pulled into the car park before bursting into flames and footage showed a huge column of black smoke rising 80ft into the air.
It was not declared a terrorist incident but Merseyside Police said counter-terrorism officers are leading the probe “out of caution”.
New dad Carl Bessant was inside the hospital with his partner at the time of the blast.
He said: “We heard a loud bang and looked out of the window. We saw the car on fire and someone jump out screaming.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last night: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Liverpool. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism, and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel added she was being updated on the blast at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Three men – aged 29, 26, and 21 – were held under the Terrorism Act in Liverpool’s Toxteth area in the afternoon.
Armed officers sealed off a street during the operation led by Counter -Terrorism Police North West.
Merseyside Chief Constable Chief Serena Kennedy said: “We are keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion.
“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents.
“Our response is ongoing at the hospital and will be for some time.”
The police chief added: “One person has died and another has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.
“We would urge the public to remain calm but vigilant.”
Cordons were put in place and some roads were closed.
Footage showed a number of explosions before a bomb disposal unit and paramedics attended.
Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson said the incident was “unsettling and upsetting”.
And Liverpool City Council urged people to stay away from the busy hospital on Crown Street.
Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said the blaze was “fully developed” when two appliances arrived.
He added: “The operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly but there was one fatality.
“Another individual left the vehicle prior to the fire developing.
“Our thoughts are with them and the families of those involved.”
Police were stationed at the scene last night.