CCTV captured the terrifying moment a Liverpool cab was blown apart and set alight by a large explosion outside of Liverpool Women's Hospital. The video shows the blast resulting in debris flying into the air as the shaky footage shows billowing smoke rise into the air. Three men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act after the explosion involving the taxi took place at the hospital, which is located around a mile away from Liverpool Cathedral where a large Remembrance service was taking place.
The male passenger of the car 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.
A friend of the driver claimed on Facebook he got out of his cab and locked the man in the vehicle after apparently noticing an explosive device.
Another said he was left with "pretty serious injuries" after taking the "brunt of the blast", according to reports.
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Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the emergency services response to the car explosion was "fantastic" and people will be able to go about their business as normal on Monday.
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.
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"And I think it's just important to let them tell us what's happened."
She said: "Our council centres and respite centres were made available. A couple of people have gone into hotels last night.
"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."
Ms Anderson also praised the cab driver for his quick reflexes in ensuring the passenger could not cause further damage.
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She said: "The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital.
"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."
Counter-terrorism police have said they are keeping an open mind about the cause of the explosion and are working closely with Merseyside Police and, according to reports, MI5.
The three arrests took place in Sutcliffe Street in the Kensington area of the city, where witnesses reported seeing armed officers swoop on a terraced house in the afternoon.
Sections of Sutcliffe Street and Boaler Street have been cordoned off, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continue.
A similar police cordon was in place at Rutland Avenue, where Greater Manchester Police said a small number of addresses were evacuated as a precaution.