Liverpool explosion — latest: Emad Al Swealmeen named as deceased bomber as threat level raised to severe

Police have named Emad Al Swealmeen as the deceased bomber in the terror incident that took place outside of Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday.

On Monday evening, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Meeks said: “Our enquiries are very much ongoing but at this stage we strongly believe that the deceased in 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

“Al Swealmeen is connected to both the Rutland Avenue and Sutcliffe Street addresses where searches are still ongoing.”

Meanwhile, the national terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, meaning further attacks are considered "highly likely".

Home secretary Priti Patel said the level had been raised because there had been two attacks in the span of a month.

Speaking to broadcasters, she said: "The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, Jtac, are now increasing the United Kingdom's threat level from substantial to severe.

"And there's a reason for that, and that reason is because what we saw yesterday is the second incident in a month."

The threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which is led by MI5, and had been set at substantial since February 2021.

Read More

Liverpool explosion: Everything we know so far about car blast at hospital

Liverpool explosion: Police declare terrorist incident and say passenger ‘built bomb detonated in taxi’

Liverpool women’s hospital explosion: One dead after car bomb

Emad al-Swealmeen: Liverpool bomber who died in taxi explosion named

Key Points

• Terror threat upgraded to severe

• Boris Johnson condemns ‘awful incident’

• Liverpool mayor praises ‘heroic’ driver

• Police declare terrorist incident and say passenger ‘built bomb’

• Four arrested in connection with blast

Nick Aldworth: ‘You cannot keep tabs on every single person that comes to notice’

21:49 , Celine Wadhera

Nick Aldworth, the UK’s former counter-terrorism coordinator, told GBNews that it would be impossible to keep track of every single person that “comes to notice”.

When asked about the labour intensiveness and cost of round-the-clock surveillance, Mr Aldworth said: “It’s hugely resource intensive, very labour intensive as well.

“It’s part of the job, part of the role they have to do, they do it to protect the public.”

Despite working diligently for “very long hours” Mr Aldworth said: “You cannot keep tabs on every single person that comes to notice.

“It comes down to trying to identify those pieces of information, that thread of intelligence, that’ll lead you toward something more significant.”

He said that this information often comes through police and security services building rapport with communities.

Eyewitness describes scene at Liverpool Women’s Hospital

21:30 , Celine Wadhera

Jay Hughes, an eyewitness, described the scene of the terrorist incident outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday.

He told ITV that he was on his way to visit his newborn baby at the hospital when he saw smoke and fire.

“I just turned into and I saw a big plume of smoke and a car on fire…” he said.

He added his wife was about 40 feet away with their baby.

“I had my heart in my throat.”

Full statement from Counter Terrorism Policing UK

21:11 , Celine Wadhera

Counter Terrorism Policing UK have released an update, including comments from senior investigating officer DCI Andrew Meeks, on the identity of the deceased bomber.

Anyone with any information relating to the terror incident, or about Emad Al-Swealmeen should call 0161 856 1027, quoting Liverpool Women’s Hospital incident, or report any details anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

‘We are here for you’: Liverpool Women’s Hospital offers support to those impacted by terrorist incident

20:52 , Celine Wadhera

The Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust has offered support to those who were impacted by Sunday’s terrorist explosion.

In a post on Twitter, the Trust said: “We know events this week will have impacted everyone in different ways and we want to say that we are here for you.

“If you have been impacted by anything you experienced during this incident, please contact our Patient Experience Team on 0151 702 4353 or email pals@lwh.nhs.uk and they will ensure you are offered the appropriate support.”

Hospital chief pays tribute to ‘brave and dedicated’ colleagues, emergency service workers

20:33 , Celine Wadhera

Kathryn Thomson, the chief executive of Liverpool Women’s Hospital, paid tribute to staff and emergency service workers following the Sunday’s explosion.

In a statement, Ms Thomson said that the last two days had been “extremely upsetting and traumatising” for people linked with the hospital.

“I am so proud to be chief executive of Liverpool Women’s Hospital and to have so many brave and dedicated colleagues who have worked during the most upsetting of circumstances to keep our patients safe – in particular, the members of the staff and public who were first at the scene of the incident and came to people’s aid,” she said.

“Thank you also to Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and all other emergency services and agencies who have supported the trust throughout this incident and helped to keep everyone safe.”

She added that despite a heavy police and security presence, hospital services were running “as close to normal as can be expected”.

Eyewitness videos capture arrests

20:14 , Celine Wadhera

Videos captured by eyewitnesses capture the moments that two men were arrested in connection with the explosion outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday.

In the first clip, a man is seen being put into a police car on Monday morning.

In a second clip, obtained by ITV news, a man in a green jacket is seen in handcuffs, surrounded by police near Sutcliffe Street on Sunday.

Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram: ‘We will never let those who seek to divide us win’

19:55 , Celine Wadhera

In a statement released on Monday evening, Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said that he was “horrified” to learn of the explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

“Sadly, events like these are not as surprising as they once were. That does not make them any less shocking,” he said.

“Like those that have gone before, it would seem that this was an attempt to sow discord and division within our communities.

“But our area is much stronger than that. We are known for our solidarity and resilience. Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths.

“We will never let those who seek to divide us win.”

Mr Rotheram continued to urge everyone to “make an extra effort to be kinder to our friends and neighbours” over the coming days, and thanked first responders for their quick response.

He added that it was “vital” that police and counter terrorism officers are able to continue their investigation unimpeded, and urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours and disinformation about the terrorist incident.

Emad al-Swalmeen: Liverpool bomber who died in taxi explosion named

19:34 , Celine Wadhera

Police have named the suspected bomber who died in the Liverpool Women’s Hospital explosion as Emad al-Swealmeen.

The 32-year-old is believed to have lived in a house on Sutcliffe Street, where several other men have been arrested.

He recently rented a separate property, on Rutland Avenue, where investigators discovered bomb components.

Home affairs correspondent Lizzie Dearden reports on this breaking story.

Liverpool bomber who died in taxi explosion named

Police appeal for information on deceased terror suspect

19:14 , Celine Wadhera

Following the naming of the man killed in the terror incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday, police are appealing for information about the deceased.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Meeks said: “Our enquiries are very much ongoing but at this stage we strongly believe that the deceased in 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

“Al Swealmeen is connected to both the Rutland Avenue and Sutcliffe Street addresses where searches are still ongoing.

“Our focus is the Rutland Avenue address where we have continued to recover significant items.

“We continue to appeal for any information about this incident and now that we have released his name any information that the public may have about Al Swealmeen no matter how small may be of great assistance to us.”

Suspect killed in terrorist attack named

19:08 , Celine Wadhera

The man killed in the terrorist attack at Liverpool Women’s Hospital has been named by Counter Terrorism Police North West as 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

Liverpool bomb taxi driver’s wife says he’s ‘extremely sore’ after ‘miracle’ escape

18:59 , Celine Wadhera

Rachel Perry said her husband David is “lucky to be alive” after the taxi he was driving, carrying one passenger, exploded as it pulled up outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday.

In a social media post, she said that it was an “utter miracle” that he escaped the ordeal without serious injuries, but added that he was “extremely sore” after being discharged from the hospital.

Her post went on to thank emergency services but also appeared to contradict reports that Mr Perry had locked the passenger inside the car.

My colleague Emily Atkinson reports.

Wife of bombed taxi driver says his survival is ‘utter miracle’

NHS chiefs advising all hospitals to review security procedures

18:40 , Celine Wadhera

NHS bosses are advising all hospitals to review their security procedures, following the terrorist incident at Liverpool Women’s hospital, The Guardian has reported.

The paper revealed that NHS England is in the process of finalising new guidance which will be sent to all 213 health trusts across England, which are then provided to hundreds of hospitals. This guidance will tell them to check whether their security measures are adequate, and to ensure that all staff know what to do and how to remain safe should a terrorist incident occur.

Watch: UK terror threat level increased to ‘severe’ after two attacks in a month

18:21 , Celine Wadhera

Watch as home secretary Priti Patel speaks about raising the UK’s terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe”.

UK terror threat level increased to 'severe' after two attacks in a month

My colleague Cal Byrne reports.

Change in the threat level is ‘a precautionary measure and not based on any specific threat’

18:02 , Celine Wadhera

In a statement issued on behalf of counter terrorism policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, the senior national coordinator for protect and prepare, said that raising the threat level from substantial to severe was a “precautionary measure”.

“Today, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre confirmed that the threat level from terrorism has been raised from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’,” he said.

“The threat level moving to severe means it is ‘highly likely’ that a terrorist attack could take place in the UK. But I want to make clear that the change is a precautionary measure and not based on any specific threat. Whilst we want the public to remain alert, they should not be alarmed by this change.”

He continued: “We have seen in recent weeks two incidents declared as terrorism – the murder of Sir David Amess MP in October, and then the incident we saw take place in Liverpool yesterday. Whilst there is absolutely nothing to suggest any link between these incidents, the fact that two terror attacks have happened in relatively quick succession will have contributed to the intelligence picture that is continually being assessed by JTAC and subsequently has led to the threat level increasing at this time.

He said that the threat level is designed to inform the public, while guiding police and law enforcement response around public safety to ensure that the UK is “well prepared and protected”.

“Communities defeat terrorism, and it remains vitally important that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. Our efforts can only succeed where we have the support of the public, and communities have shown time and again that they are united in their rejection of those who wish to divide us, and spread hate in the name of extremism.”

DAC Twist added that anything suspicious should be reported to the police via the Anti-terrorist hotline.

Police carry out controlled explosion at Sefton Park as part of investigation

17:43 , Celine Wadhera

Police officers investigating the explosion at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday have carried out a controlled explosion at Sefton Park in Liverpool, Counter Terrorism Police North West have said.

The controlled explosion was a precautionary measure to deal with items obtained during the investigation – no new evidence was found in the park.

There is believed to be no wider risk to the public as the investigation continues.

‘Understandable’ that terror threat has been raised, shadow home secretary says

17:24 , Celine Wadhera

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has said that it is “understandable” that the terror threat level has been raised to severe following “the second incident in a matter of weeks”.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Merseyside, and we thank our emergency services who acted so swiftly in the face of danger,” he said.

“Those who seek to divide us with acts of terrorism and hatred must never win. As a country, we stand together with the people of Liverpool.

“The criminal investigation must now be able to proceed quickly.”

He added: “We urge anyone with any information to come forward and for people to remain vigilant”.

Jonathan Ashworth apologises for offering his condolences to family of the dead bomber

17:05 , Celine Wadhera

Shadow health and social care secretary Jonathan Ashworth has apologised for offering his condolences to the family of the deceased bomber.

Speaking on Sky News, Mr Ashworth said: “I mean, absolutely shocking that that would happen anywhere, but particularly outside a women’s maternity hospital

“Obviously we pay our respects and sent our condolences to the family of the man who lost his life.”

Following up on those comments on Twitter, Mr Ashworth said that he had “misread the news ticker” during the interview and thought that a member of the public had died.

“My deepest apologies for this mistake,” he added.

‘It’s too close to home’: Rutland Avenue residents react to Liverpool Women’s Hospital explosion

16:46 , Lizzie Dearden

A day after a bomb exploded outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the police investigation was focused on a property just over a mile away in Rutland Avenue.

The quiet residential road was still cordoned off on Monday afternoon, after eight families were evacuated following the discovery of “significant items”. Life continued in neighbouring streets, where there was a sense of confusion and shock among locals as they went about their business past a gaggle of photographers and television cameras.

“It’s too close to home,” said one man, who did not want to be named. “It doesn’t happen in Liverpool, terror attacks.”

Another neighbour described the situation as worrying, adding: “These things have been happening in different parts of the country but I don’t know why they would have targeted the women’s hospital. It’s very strange. There’s no conceivable idea at all why the Women’s would be targeted.”

A woman who has lived in the street adjacent to the home being searched for over 30 years described it as a “lovely area”.

“It’s hard to believe,” she said. “I have lived here for 31 years. The same house, lovely neighbours, it’s a lovely neighbourhood.”

Despite the scale of the ongoing police operation, few people had heard any noise through Sunday afternoon and night. The properties surrounding the home linked to the bomber were still empty after being evacuated as a precaution.

In a nearby cafe, the bombing was a topic of conversation among locals meeting for afternoon coffee.

“We’ve probably seen whoever it was walking around,” a young woman mused.

Full government statement on raising the threat level

16:27 , Celine Wadhera

The full statement by the government on raising the UK National Threat Level to severe from substantial can be found here.

“Following yesterday’s incident in Liverpool, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today taken the decision to raise the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning that an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely.

“The decision has been driven by two terrorist incidents in the past month, reflecting the diverse, complex and volatile nature of the terrorist threat in the UK.

“Threat levels are determined independently of ministers and are a tool for security practitioners, including the police, to use in determining what protective security response may be required.

“The UK was last at severe in November 2020 before being lowered to Substantial in February 2021.”

Police cordon remains on Rutland Avenue

16:09 , Matt Mathers

A police cordon remains in place on Rutland Avenue near Sefton Park in Liverpool.

A crime scene investigator wearing a white suit was seen going in and out of a property in the street and a number of police vehicles were at the scene.

Police helped to carry shopping deliveries and a Deliveroo to properties within the cordon.

Sajid Javid pays tribute to NHS staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital

15:51 , Celine Wadhera

Health Secretary Sajid Javid paid tribute to NHS staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital who were affected by the explosion outside the building over the weekend.

In the Commons, Mr Javid said: “This is an ongoing investigation into what has now been declared a terrorist incident by police so it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment in any detail.

“But I would like to take a moment to express my thanks to all of the NHS staff and emergency serves who have responded to the incident.

“They have shown the utmost professionalism in the most difficult of circumstances and my thoughts, and I know the thoughts of the whole House, are with them and anyone that has been affected.”

Boris Johnson: ‘everyone’s got to be vigilant'

15:30 , Celine Wadhera

During the Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson told reporters that the change in the terror level: “reflects the number of attacks that we’ve seen, failed or successful, in the last few weeks and months”.

He added that, while the official terror level may “jump around” from time to time, “what we’re really saying to the public as a result of what happened in Liverpool is that they’ve got to be - everyone’s got to be - vigilant”.

‘The British people will never be cowed by terrorism'

15:11 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson is giving a Covid press conference from Downing Street.

He began his remarks by saying his thoughts are with the people of Liverpool following Sunday's "sickening" attack.

He thanked the emergency services for their work and said the blast is a "stark reminder" of the need "for us all to remain utterly vigilant".

"But what yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism," he adds.

"We will never give in to those who seek to divide us with sense acts of violence. Our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.”

Johnson hails ‘incredible bravery’ of taxi driver in Liverpool bombing

14:55 , Matt Mathers

Boris Johnson has hailed the "incredible bravery" of a taxi driver caught up in the terrorist bombing outside Liverpool Women's Hospital.

The prime minister was speaking to reporters while on a visit to a medical centre in London on Monday, some 24 hours after one man died and a second was injured following the blast on Remembrance Sunday.

Full report below:

PM hails ‘incredible bravery’ of taxi driver caught in Liverpool hospital blast

Watch: Merseyside Police give update on investigation

14:54 , Matt Mathers

‘Significant impact across the community'

14:43 , Matt Mathers

The home secretary said the attack had had a "very significant impact across the community" in Liverpool and her thoughts were with people in the city.

Patel told broadcasters: "Alongside that, I want to give my personal thanks, and the thanks of the government, to our emergency services, the police in particular. I've been in touch with the chief constable, other emergency service workers as well, and our armed forces who've been part of the operational work that's on the ground.

"Now, of course, that means we continue to work with our world-class security, intelligence and policing services.

"There's a live investigation taking place right now. They will need the time, the space, to do the work that they are doing in terms of investigating the incident.

"But of course, we as a government, I as Home Secretary, continue to work with everyone when it comes to the security of our country and making sure that we're taking all the necessary steps required."

Second incident in a month reason for threat level rise, Patel says

14:35 , Matt Mathers

Home secretary Priti Patel said the terror threat level had been raised because there had been two attacks in the space of a month.

Speaking to broadcasters, she said: "The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, Jtac, are now increasing the United Kingdom's threat level from substantial to severe.

"And there's a reason for that, and that reason is because what we saw yesterday is the second incident in a month."

Terror threat raised to severe

14:30 , Matt Mathers

The UK’s terrorism threat level has been raised to severe, meaning an attack is “highly likely”.

My colleague Jon Sharman will have more on this story as it develops:

Terrorism threat raised to severe after Liverpool bomb attack

National terror threat to be ‘upgraded to severe'

14:24 , Matt Mathers

The national terror threat level is expected to be raised from substantial to severe later today, meaning further attacks are considered "highly likely", The Independent understands.

An announcement is to be made following a meeting of the Cobra emergencies committee, which was chaired by the prime minister this afternoon.

The threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which is led by MI5. The threat level was set at substantial in February 2021, after being lowered from severe.

‘They kept themselves to themselves'

14:05 , Matt Mathers

More comments below from Mr Ford, who lives on the street where three men were arrested under the Terrorism Act on Sunday:

“They keep themselves to themselves, as we do. The police were telling me to stay indoors until we were evacuated at about 6.30pm.

“They were pointing guns up at the house for those four hours. They keep raising them and dropping them, raising and dropping them.”

Neighbour ‘petrified’ for his family after armed police descended on street

13:47 , Tom Batchelor

Keith Ford, 47, of Sutcliffe Street, has told the PA news agency he was “petrified” for his family as they were told to stay indoors for four hours as armed police surrounded a neighbour’s address.

He said he opened his front door at about 2.30pm on Sunday and “saw police everywhere”.

“There was a police car and an unmarked car outside and the officers were stood behind the cars with their guns pointed at the house,” he said.

“I was petrified for my family, I didn’t know what was going to happen.

“I seen a gentleman from behind come out of the house with his hands above his head. He was in his early 20s.”

Eight families evacuated from near Rutland Avenue address

13:33 , Tom Batchelor

Police have said a total of eight families were evacuated from near the Rutland Avenue address, where a cordon is in place.

Detectives said that was the starting point where the taxi had been booked before the passenger was driven to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

At a press conference this lunchtime police said that “significant items” were found at the Rutland Avenue property during searches on Sunday evening.

Police cordon remains in place outside house in Sutcliffe Street

13:15 , Tom Batchelor

A police cordon remains in place outside a terraced house in Sutcliffe Street, Kensington, Liverpool.

A grey Mondeo car parked adjacent is also part of the cordon.

Uniformed police officers are guarding the scene with a marked van and car in the middle of the street.

Mayor praises ‘heroic effort and quick thinking’ of taxi driver

12:59 , Tom Batchelor

Joanne Anderson, the mayor of Liverpool, has said the taxi driver was fortunate to have survived the incident.

“Jumping out of the taxi, he was lucky to escape in the way that he did, but obviously it doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened,” she told the BBC.

She added: “It’s really important that this man is able to recover from what must have been such a horrific shock yesterday.”

She also said it was a “heroic effort and quick thinking” from the driver to have left his vehicle so swiftly.

Police say no ‘specific threat to area’ but will increase patrols

12:49 , Tom Batchelor

Police have said there is no “specific threat to the area” but patrols will be increased to reassure the community.

Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of Merseyside Police, said: “I completely understand that communities in Merseyside may be concerned and I can reassure you that my officers are out on the ground and providing high visibility reassurance.

“There is no specific threat to the area, but I have asked for patrols to be increased across Merseyside.

“Incidents such as this are very rare, but I would ask people to remain calm, but be vigilant and alert.

“There has also been a lot of speculation on social media and false reports of further incidents, for that reason I would urge members of the public to rely on the official information...

She added: “The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are well known for supporting each other and at a time like this this is needed more than ever.

“Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are leading the investigation, supported by detectives and uniformed officers from Merseyside Police, and we are continuing to work with our partners at Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital to establish what has taken place.

“Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.

“It is also important that people do not speculate about what has happened. We will endeavour to update our communities as soon as we are able.

“I would continue to advise people to be vigilant and if they have any concerns to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Residents told to ‘get down, get down’ during police raid

12:37 , Tom Batchelor

Sharon Cullen, 49, was at home in Boaler Street, off Sutcliffe Street, on late Sunday afternoon when she heard shouts of “Get down, get down”, PA reports.

She said she looked out of her rear window and saw armed officers surrounding a property in Sutcliffe Street.

Mrs Cullen said: “I saw around five or six of them and two went round the back and put ladders against the wall and climbed up.”

Police had earlier told her family to stay indoors.

She said: “It was terrible. It’s not how I wanted to spend my Sunday afternoon.”

PM to chair Cobra meeting

12:28 , Tom Batchelor

Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergencies committee at 12.45pm today to discuss the Liverpool blast.

Downing Street said senior police and counter-terrorism officers will join ministers at the Whitehall meeting.

Emergency crews’ response ‘first class’, says Starmer

12:25 , Tom Batchelor

Sir Keir Starmer has described the response to the deadly explosion of a taxi at a hospital in Liverpool as “first class”.

The Labour leader told LBC: “It’s an emerging picture but it looks really concerning and I am sure communities in Liverpool will wake up and be very worried this morning, and particularly those in and around the hospital area.

“It looks as though the response has been first class, as you would expect. A little bit more detail is needed on what’s emerging as to what may have happened. But let’s let the investigation take its course.

“It is serious. The arrests have been under the counter-terrorism provisions so that tells you where this investigation may be - and I emphasise may - be heading.”

Police declare terrorist incident and say passenger ‘built bomb detonated in taxi’

12:09 , Tom Batchelor

The explosion at Liverpool Women’s Hospital has been declared a terrorist incident after police confirmed that the cause was a bomb.

Counter-terror officers said the passenger inside a taxi that pulled up shortly before the blast on Remembrance Sunday is believed to have built the improvised explosive device (IED).

Here is the breaking story from our security correspondent, Lizzie Dearden:

Terrorist incident declared after bomb detonated outside Liverpool hospital

BBC reporter Fiona Trott drowned out by hecklers

11:55 , Tom Batchelor

A BBC reporter had her broadcast interrupted by hecklers at the scene in Liverpool.

The men were apparently angry at media coverage of the incident, and could be heard shouting “report the truth, we all know what happened”.

Here is the video:

And the full report:

BBC reporter Fiona Trott drowned out by hecklers during live Liverpool broadcast

Police investigating Remembrance Sunday link

11:45 , Tom Batchelor

Police have said the motivation for the blast is not yet known as they confirmed they were investigating a Remembrance Sunday link.

“The reason why he then took it to the Women’s Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion,” Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, from Counter-terrorism Policing North West, said.

“We are of course aware that there were remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

“We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.”

Fourth man aged 20 arrested

11:31 , Tom Batchelor

A fourth man has been arrested as police investigate the taxi blast.

“A short while ago, again in the Kensington area, a further man aged 20 was arrested under S41 of the Terrorism Act,” Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, from Counter-terrorism Policing North West, told a press conference

Counter-terror police earlier said three people had been arrested, aged 29, 26 and 21, in the Kensington area of the city in connection with the blast.

Everything we know so far about the car blast

11:25 , Tom Batchelor

Around 24 hours after the explosion occurred outside the Women’s Hospital in Liverpool, police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led up to the deadly blast.

For a full rundown of all the developments, you can read our “everything we know” piece below:

Everything we know so far about the Liverpool explosion

Police say taxi passenger assumed to have built bomb that detonated in Liverpool

11:23 , Tom Batchelor

Police have said that the driver whose taxi exploded in Liverpool on Sunday had picked up a man asking to be dropped at the Women’s Hospital, and said it was assumed that the bomb was built by the passenger.

Russ Jackson, head of counter terrorism policing north west, said: “The circumstances, as we understand them to be, are that yesterday shortly before 11am, a local taxi driver picked up a fare in the Rutland Avenue area of Liverpool.

“The fare, a man, had asked to be taken to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital which was about 10 minutes away. As the taxi approached the drop off point at the hospital, an explosion occurred from within car, which quickly engulfed it in flames.

“Remarkably, the taxi driver, escaped from the cab. He has been treated for the injuries he sustained and has now been released from hospital.

“Following discussions with Ordinance Disposal Officers, we are able to confirm that this is being treated as the ignition of an explosive device.”

He added: “Our enquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.”

Nearly £15,000 raised for family of taxi driver injured in blast

11:10 , Tom Batchelor

Nearly £15,000 has been raised for the family of the injured taxi driver who the prime minister and Liverpool mayor have praised for apparently acting to avert “disaster”.

A friend who set up the fundraiser on Facebook said the driver “remembers a bang then going unconscious then managing to escape the car luckily by a strand of hair before it went into flames”.

She claimed he had “saved so many lives today at the risk of his own life” as she asked people to donate “anything you can”.

CCTV shows taxi exploding outside Liverpool women’s hospital

10:55 , Tom Batchelor

Taxi driver behaved with ‘incredible presence of mind and bravery’, says PM

10:42 , Tom Batchelor

Boris Johnson has praised the efforts of the taxi driver involved in the Liverpool explosion.

Speaking at a medical centre in east London, the prime minister said: “This is an ongoing investigation so I can’t comment on the details or exactly what type of incident it was, what type of crime it may have been.

“But it does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery.

“But I’ve got to say this is something that is an ongoing investigation. I think it would be premature to say much more than that.”

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10:33 , Tom Batchelor

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UK terror threat remains ‘substantial'

10:20 , Tom Batchelor

The UK’s official threat level from terrorism stands at “substantial,” the middle rung on a five-point scale, meaning an attack is likely.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre sets the threat level based on intelligence about international terrorism at home and overseas.

It has not been changed after yesterday’s incident, which has not been declared a terrorist incident, although the investigation is being aided by counter-terrorism police.

Police to give update on investigation at 11am

10:15 , Tom Batchelor

Merseyside Police will be holding a press conference at the force’s headquarters in Liverpool at 11am this morning.

Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable and Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West Russ Jackson will be at the event.

We will bring updates on this as we get them.

Police keep guard near Liverpool Women’s Hospital

09:59 , Tom Batchelor

Liverpool mayor praises ‘heroic’ taxi driver

09:41 , Tom Batchelor

A friend of the taxi driver has claimed on Facebook that he got out of his cab and locked a passenger in the vehicle after allegedly noticing an explosive device.

Another said he was left with “pretty serious injuries” after taking the “brunt of the blast”, according to reports.

Responding to those claims, the Liverpool mayor praised the driver’s reported efforts as “heroic”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Joanne Anderson said: “Our thanks go to him and our emergency services, and authorities have worked through the night to divert anything further and we’ve all been on standby and in constant contact to provide any support that’s needed.”

She added: “Well, we knew that the taxi driver had stood out and locked the doors, we knew that early on.”

However, she added it was important not to get drawn into speculation about the incident.

People will be able to go about their business today as normal, says Liverpool mayor

09:30 , Tom Batchelor

Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson has said Liverpudlians can expect to go about their business as normal on Monday despite pockets of disruption.

Cordons remain in place at the hospital and several roads where police activity is continuing, although most of the city is open and functioning normally.

“Obviously the residential areas that have been affected, but most people will be able to go about their business today and, of course, if you have any issues contact the authorities, but most people should be able to go about their day today,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Ms Anderson also said the emergency services response to the car explosion had been “fantastic”.

She said: “Our emergency services were on the scene within minutes (and) have done a fantastic job of dealing with this incident and working with all the authorities throughout the night. Our job is to be calm and support our emergency services to do the job.”

Ms Anderson added: “I think it’s important not to get drawn into any, you know, what might have been. Our authorities have kept us updated. You know, not only dealing with the incident, but engaging with us as city leaders and council staff, as well as keeping the public informed. And I think it’s just important to let them tell us what’s happened.”

Police activity in Sutcliffe Street with house cordoned off

09:16 , Tom Batchelor

Terror probe enables help from intelligence services, says policing expert

08:59 , Tom Batchelor

Former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator Nick Aldworth also explained how counter-terrorism police and MI5 were involved to provide a more in-depth investigation.

“It makes sense to create a terrorist investigation to start with, because that allows you to have a large operation with access to more resources you might not normally have, for example, the intelligence services,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.

“And then you can scale down quickly once it becomes obvious that that’s not what you’re looking at, but it’s much harder to scale up once you started.”

Timing of blast ‘significant’ but link to nearby remembrance service ‘uncertain’, says former senior terrorism investigator

08:53 , Tom Batchelor

A former senior terrorism investigator has said he was “uncertain” about any link between the timing of a car explosion in Liverpool and the nearby remembrance service.

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, said he believed it was unclear as to whether the incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital was terror-related.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, he said: “I have to say from what I’ve seen, there’s very little blast damage. There’s also a lot of fire damage with very little blast damage. And so, you know, whatever was in that vehicle was either a low yield or didn’t work properly, or possibly an incendiary.

“So I think it’s very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened.”

Mr Aldworth added: “One minute to 11am - you’re never going to make that mile on foot to the service. Most of town centres during these sort of remembrance services get locked down and have roadblocks.

“So yes, it is a significant timing, but I’m really uncertain at the moment as to what significance you could actually attach to that with some real clarity.”

Cordon in place around Liverpool Women’s Hospital

08:43 , Tom Batchelor

A police cordon remained in place around Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Monday, reports PA.

People were being allowed in and out of the hospital but officers could be seen at the entrance to the building.

Police were stopping cars for checks as they entered the car park.

Officers were stationed around the perimeter of the hospital grounds and police tape remained in place.

Rutland Avenue centre of police activity

08:30 , Tom Batchelor

A number of residents in Rutland Avenue were also evacuated from their homes over the course of the evening, and a police operation remained ongoing past midnight with armed officers within the cordon.

A convoy of seven unmarked vehicles - three vans and four cars - entered the cordon early on Monday morning.

This is the scene this morning:

Liverpool blast an ‘emerging situation’ says government minister

08:16 , Tom Batchelor

The explosion is an “emerging situation” and investigations are continuing, a minister has said this morning when interviewed on Sky News.

Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden told the broadcaster: “It is an emerging situation and the home secretary is being kept briefed on it.

“It is a reminder to us all that the threat of terrorism hasn’t gone away and how much we depend on our police and security services.”

Police have said they are keeping an open mind about the circumstances surrounding the incident and that while counter terror officers are involved it has not been declared a terrorist incident.

Photos from the scene amid heavy police presence

07:51 , Tom Batchelor

Armed officers were seen in parts of the city after some homes were evacuated.

Police cordons remain in place overnight as investigation continues

07:11 , Tom Batchelor

Police cordons have remained in place in areas of Liverpool overnight after a car explosion at a hospital which killed one person and injured another.

Sections of Sutcliffe Street and Boaler Street remain cordoned off, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continue.

A similar police scene was in place at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, with counter-terror officers sighted in the neighbourhood.

Greater Manchester Police, providing updates from Counter Terrorism Police North West, said: “A large cordon is in place on Rutland Avenue in Liverpool and a small number of addresses have been evacuated as a precaution.”

Greater Manchester leading law enforcement agency for investigation

04:00 , Tom Batchelor

Merseyside Police have explained why neighbouring Greater Manchester police force are leading the investigation.

Liverpool metro mayor urges residents to ‘remain calm'

03:00 , Tom Batchelor

Steve Rotherham, the Liverpool city region’s metro mayor, has urged residents to remain calm as the investigation unfolds.

He tweeted: “My thoughts are with those affected by today’s tragic events at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

“Until further information is made available, I urge everyone to remain calm and allow the emergency services to continue with their vital work.”

Joanne Anderson, the Liverpool mayor, also said the police should be given the space to do their job.

Police urge public not to share unverified videos

02:00 , Tom Batchelor

Police issue statement reassuring public after ‘very rare’ incident

01:00 , Tom Batchelor

Merseyside Police have issued a statement reassuring the public following the explosion earlier on Sunday.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Following the events of this morning, Sunday 14th November, at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, I want to offer my reassurance.

“While I understand that today’s incident may cause concern in our communities, it should be pointed out that events of this nature are very rare.

“Officers from Counter Terrorism North West are leading the investigation supported by Merseyside Police and they will be liaising with our partners at Mersey Fire and Rescue and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital to establish what has taken place.

“Three males have today been arrested in the Kensington area under the Terrorism Act and remain in custody and enquiries remain ongoing.

“Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.

“There will also be an increased and visible police presence on the streets of Merseyside and I would encourage people to engage with my officers and raise any concerns they may have.

“It is also important that, at this very early stage, people do not speculate about what has happened. We will endeavour to update our communities as soon as we are able.

“I would continue to advise people to be vigilant and if they have any concerns to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: “Staff from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service have been working throughout the day and were at the scene within a matter of minutes.

“We will be continuing our partnership with Merseyside Police and Liverpool city council by providing visible reassurance to communities affected and will be knocking on doors to speak to people in the area and check their welfare.”

Street at centre of police activity ‘evacuated’

Sunday 14 November 2021 23:55 , Tom Batchelor

A street at the centre of police activity in Liverpool is reportedly being evacuated.

Reporters at the scene said residents living on Rutland Avenue were being asked to leave.

Attorney general issues plea for social media users not to speculate about explosion

Sunday 14 November 2021 23:30 , Tom Batchelor

Keir Starmer: 'Thoughts with the people of Liverpool’

Sunday 14 November 2021 23:00 , Tom Batchelor

Merseyside Police chief constable reassures city after fatal incident

Sunday 14 November 2021 22:10 , Tom Batchelor

The chief constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, earlier on Sunday offered her reassurance over the incident.

She said: “While I understand that today’s incident may cause concern in our communities, it should be pointed out that events of this nature are very rare.

“Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.

“There will also be an increased and visible police presence on the streets of Merseyside and I would encourage people to engage with my officers and raise any concerns they may have.”

Ambulance and police cars still at scene of arrests

Sunday 14 November 2021 21:39 , Tom Batchelor

The Liverpool Echo’s reporter, Olivia Williams, is at the scene of arrests on Rutland Avenue near Sefton Park.

She reports there is an ambulance and police cars and residents are not being allowed back into the properties.

Two of Liverpool’s five MPs release statements about blast

Sunday 14 November 2021 21:12 , Sam Hancock

Paula Barker, the Labour representative for Liverpool’s Wavertree constituency, said this evening:

Meanwhile, Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Riverside, tweeted earlier:

Locals describe armed police arriving at addresses in Liverpool

Sunday 14 November 2021 20:52 , Sam Hancock

Let’s get some more detail on the areas in which arrests took place in Liverpool this afternoon.

It is understood the three arrests took place around Boaler Street in the Kensington area of the northern city.

Armed officers swooped on a terraced house in Sutcliffe Street, off Boaler Street, in the afternoon and arrested one suspect, locals told the PA news agency.

Sections of Boaler Street and Sutcliffe Street remained cordoned off later in the day, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continue.

A similar police scene was in place at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, with counter-terror officers sighted in the neighbourhood.

Locals there told reporters that police arrived from about 1pm as officers went on to guard a terraced property as the immediate surrounding area was cordoned off.

ICYMI: Fire chief describes ‘fully developed’ car fire

Sunday 14 November 2021 20:37 , Sam Hancock

The chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said earlier the car fire at Liverpool Women’s Hospital was “fully developed” when two of his trucks arrived to put it out shortly after 11am.

Phil Garrigan told reporters at the scene:

“The operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly but as has been reiterated by the police chief constable, there was one fatality.

“Another individual had left the vehicle prior to the fire developing to the extent that it did.

“Our thoughts are with them and the families of those involved.”

Boris Johnson condemns ‘awful incident in Liverpool’

Sunday 14 November 2021 20:08 , Sam Hancock

‘Still keeping an open mind’: Full statement by counter terror investigators

Sunday 14 November 2021 19:50 , Sam Hancock

Counter Terrorism Police North West, who are leading the investigation into the car blast, released a statement after the arrests were made.

“The men - aged 29, 26, and 21 - were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act, in connection with the incident which occurred just before 11am today,” officers said.

Providing some finer details, the force went on:

“The passenger of the car - a man - was declared dead at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

“The driver - also a man - was injured at the scene and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“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.”

Image of armed police officers shared on Twitter

Sunday 14 November 2021 19:34 , Sam Hancock

Liverpool Echo’s Liam Thorp posted this photo of armed police officers “in discussions” on Rutland Avenue, during searches thought to be connected to the blast.

ICYMI: Moment police declared ‘incident’ at hospital

Sunday 14 November 2021 19:05 , Sam Hancock

Here’s our initial report on the explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital, just before Merseyside Police confirmed it was in fact a car bomb.

Bomb squad called to Liverpool hospital as police cordon surrounds car

BREAKING: Three arrests over hospital explosion

Sunday 14 November 2021 18:57 , Tom Barnes

Three men have been arrested by counter-terror police following the car explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital this morning.

Our security correspondent, Lizzie Dearden, has more on this breaking news here:

Police arrest three men after taxi blast in Liverpool

Good afternoon!

Sunday 14 November 2021 16:48 , Sam Hancock

Hello, and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of the car bomb that went off today outside a hospital in Liverpool.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates.