Dan Barr, a 41-year-old former soldier, played a pivotal role in stopping a car driven by Paul Doyle, which injured 134 fans at the Liverpool FC victory parade. Despite being praised for his courageous actions, Barr insists he does not consider himself a hero, stating, “I’m not the same since that day,” and expressing discomfort with the term “hero.” On May 26, Barr witnessed chaos unfolding when Doyle’s vehicle surged into the crowd.
Motivated by “blind rage,” Doyle, a 54-year-old IT networking engineer and former Royal Marine, became increasingly frustrated when he could not navigate through the mass of people. His actions led to a chaotic scene, resulting in serious injuries to victims ranging from a six-month-old infant to a 77-year-old woman, causing widespread panic among the bystanders.
Barr recalled his instinctive decision to intervene as the car briefly halted. He ran to the vehicle, opened the rear door, and climbed inside just as Doyle accelerated again. In the car, surrounded by the sounds of violence and fear, Barr quickly recognized the gear selector was in ‘drive.’ He acted decisively, jamming it into ‘park’, which prevented the car from moving forward and potentially causing further harm.
Despite his bravery, Barr has struggled with the psychological impact of the incident. He mentioned difficulty processing what happened, with everyday tasks becoming a challenge. Concern from loved ones has prompted him to seek professional help, aiming to cope with the trauma.
Doyle was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison after admitting to numerous charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Barr’s attempt to stop the attack was a desperate bid during a moment of chaos, and he believes many others would have acted similarly in his position. Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald confirmed that without Barr’s intervention, the situation could have resulted in even greater tragedy.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery exemplified in times of crisis, highlighting the resilience of those who find the strength to act in the face of danger.