The police are actively investigating the incident, which occurred on Water Street shortly after 6 PM, and horrific footage from the scene showed fans being thrown into the air, with fire crews needing to extract individuals trapped under the vehicle.

In the aftermath of the crash, comedian Andrew Lawrence faced significant backlash for making a derogatory post about the incident, resulting in the cancellation of his scheduled gig at Caddies Southend.

This incident is not Lawrence's first controversy; he has previously faced criticism for making racist jokes following England's loss in the 2021 Euros and for comments regarding Marcus Rashford's anti-poverty campaign.

Despite the backlash, Lawrence criticized the venue for 'losing their courage' and attributed the negative response to online trolls, while he restricted replies on his social media posts.

Lawrence, who gained national fame in 2003 as a runner-up on 'So You Think You’re Funny,' has a history of controversial remarks that have led to multiple venue cancellations and strained relationships with his agents.

In his comedy special 'Still On The Naughty Step,' Lawrence describes himself as having been 'cancelled' before but returning stronger, highlighting his defiance against perceived censorship.

As the investigation into the parade crash continues, the police have received praise for quickly identifying the suspect and countering misinformation circulating on social media.

Lawrence's controversial social media presence has drawn criticism from various figures, including horror author Ramsey Campbell, who defended the decision to cancel his show.

While Lawrence describes himself as a highly regarded stand-up comedian with appearances on various BBC programs, his reputation has suffered due to his divisive comments and controversial social media activity.

On May 26, 2025, a car crashed into a crowd during a Liverpool FC parade, injuring at least 79 people and leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old man on multiple charges, including attempted murder.

Caddies Southend announced their decision to cancel Lawrence's show, emphasizing their lack of support for his comments and stating they would contact ticket holders for refunds.

Other comedy venues, such as Jokers Comedy Club, have also distanced themselves from Lawrence, stating they do not support his comments and promptly canceling events in response.